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IELTS Task 2 Essays Understand the 5 Different Types

There are 5 main types of IELTS Task 2 essays:

1)    Opinion Essays  

2)    Discussion Essays

3)    Problem Solution Essays

4)    Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

5)    Double Question Essays

Most questions fit one of these categories. However, questions can be written in many different ways, which can make it difficult to determine which type they are.

On this page, I want to give you an overview of all 5 IELTS Task 2 essay types, with samples questions to help you recognise some of the different wording often used. I’ve also included a basic structure for each that you can use to as a guide for essay planning, a vital step in the writing process.

I go into each type of question in more detail on its own page.  Click the links above or at the bottom of this page to see these. 

First, here’s the basic 4 part structure I recommend that you use for Task 2 essays:

1)  Introduction

2)  Main Body Paragraph 1 

3)  Main Body Paragraph 2 

4)  Conclusion

Want  to watch and listen to this lesson?

Click on this video.

The sort of information you include in each of the 4 sections will vary depending on the question type and that’s what I’m now going to outline for you.

These easy to learn structures will enable you to quickly plan and write any IELTS Task 2 essay.

The structures below are not the only ones you could use but they are the ones I recommend because they’re simple and give proven results.

1) Opinion Essays

These are sometimes called ‘agree or disagree’ or ‘argumentative’ essays and are one of the most common types of IELTS Task 2 question.

The first part of the question will be a statement. You will then be asked to give your own opinion about the statement. Here is some typical wording that might be used:

• What is your opinion?
• Do you agree or disagree?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Here is an example of each:

• 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.

It doesn’t matter which side of the argument you take or even that you agree with it. Choose the one you can develop the best argument for.

Don’t change your opinion part way through the essay and don’t give reasons for the opposing idea.

Essay Structure

1) Introduction

• Paraphrase the question
• Give your opinion
• State two supporting reasons

2) Main body paragraph 1

• Topic sentence – outline 1st reason for supporting this view
• Explanation – explain this idea
• Example – give an example

3)  Main body paragraph 2

• Topic sentence – outline 2nd reason for supporting this view
• Summarise opinion and key reasons

2) 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.

The easiest way to approach this type of IELTS Task 2 question is to choose one point of view to agree with and one side to disagree with.

Here are 3 examples of discussion essay questions:

• Develop both sides of the argument.
• Talk about the view you don’t agree with first.

A big mistake many students make is to fully develop only one point of view. This leads to an unbalanced essay and a low score for task achievement. 

It is easier to begin by discussing the opinion you don’t agree with and then present the reasons for your opposing view.

2)  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

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Positive Viewpoint

• Topic sentence – outline the view you do agree with
• Summarise the key points and state your opinion

3)  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.

• 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.

A common mistake is for candidates to list all the problems/causes and solutions they can think of, not necessarily linking them together.  They also fail to explain any of them in detail and don’t include any examples.

The wording of this type of essay question can vary considerably.  Here are 3 examples of problem essay questions:

• State 1 key problem/cause and related solution

2)  Main body paragraph 1 – Problem or Cause

• Topic sentence – state the problem or cause
• Explanation – give detail explaining the problem or cause

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Solution

• Topic sentence – state the solution
• Explanation – give detail explaining the solution

4)  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.

Here is some typical wording that might be used:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of….?
• Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion.

Here are 3 examples of advantages and disadvantages essay questions:

Each of these different types of questions fits into one of two slightly different essay structures. We’ll look at these in detail on the main IELTS Task 2 Advantages & Disadvantages Essays page. For now, I’ll give you the basic structure.

• Outline the view or views stated the statement

2)  Main body paragraph 1 – Advantage

• Topic sentence – state 1 advantage
• Explanation – give detail explaining the advantage
• Result – state the result

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Disadvantage

• Topic sentence – state 1 disadvantage
• Explanation – give detail explaining the disadvantage
• Summarise the key points
• State your opinion if required

5)  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.

• 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.

Here are 3 examples of double question essay questions:

• Outline sentence – state your answer to both questions

2)  Main body paragraph 1 – Answer question 1

• Topic sentence – state your answer
• Explanation – explain why you think this

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Answer question 2

• Summarise both questions and answers

I hope you’ve found this information useful. You can learn lots more about writing the 5 different types of IELTS Task 2 essay and see sample answers on these pages:

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.

   Opinion Essays

   Discussion Essays

  Problem Solution Essays

  Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

  Double Question Essays

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More help with ielts task 2.

IELTS Writing Task 2  – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

Understanding Task 2 Questions  – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay  – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction  – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs  – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid. 

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions  – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria  – Find out how to meet the marking criteria for IELTS Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

Other related pages:

IELTS Writing Test  – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.

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How to Write an IELTS Essay

In this introductory lesson you will find some guidance on how you should write an  IELTS essay .

There are then more lessons on the following pages for different types of essay and different questions, with lots of tips and strategies for achieving a high score. 

You can also watch a video of this lesson:

Essay Types

It is important to learn about IELTS essays because there are different essay types, and these will require different ways to answer them.

However, as you will see from the guidance on this page, they can all follow the same basic structure.

These are some of the types of IELTS essays you can get in the test: 

• Agree / disagree
• Discuss two opinions
• Advantages & disadvantages
• Causes (reasons) & solutions
• Causes (reasons) & effects
• Problems & solutions

Not every essay will fit one of these patterns, but many do.

You may get some of these tasks mixed up. For example, you could be asked to give your opinion on an issue, and then discuss the advantages or disadvantages of it.

The golden rule is to  ALWAYS read the question very carefully  to see exactly what you are being asked to do.

The second lesson explains more about analysing essay questions. 

How do I Write an IELTS Essay?

In order to answer this, lets first look at a sample question:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In the last 20 years there have been significant developments in the field of information technology (IT), for example the World Wide Web and communication by email. However, these developments in IT are likely to have more negative effects than positive in the future.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

An IELTS essay is structured like any other essay; you just need to make it shorter. There are three key elements:

• Introduction
• Body Paragraphs

We will look at each of these in turn, using the essay question above as an example.

1) Introduction

You should keep your introduction for the IELTS essay short. Remember you only have 40 minutes to write the essay, and some of this time needs to be spent planning. Therefore, you need to be able to write your introduction fairly quickly so you can start writing your body paragraphs.

You should do just two things:

• State the topic of the essay, using some basic facts (that you may be able to take from the question)
• Say what you are going to write about

Here is an example introduction for the above essay question about IT:

The last two decades have seen enormous changes in the way people's lives are affected by IT, with many advances in this field. However, while these technological advances have brought many benefits to the world, I strongly believe that these developments in IT will result in more negative impacts than positive.

As you can see, the first sentence makes sure it refers to the topic (IT) and uses facts about IT taken from the question. Note that these are paraphrased - you must not copy from the rubric!

The second part then clearly sets out the what the essay will be about and confirms the writers opinion (some questions may not ask for your opinion, but this one does). The writer clearly agrees as he/she thinks there will be more negative impacts.

View this lesson for more advice on writing IELTS essay introductions.

2) Body Paragraphs

For an IELTS essay, you should have 2 or 3 body paragraphs - no more, and no less.

For your body paragraph, each paragraph should contain one controlling idea, and have sentences to support this.

Lets look at the first paragraph for the essay about IT. The essay is about the benefits and drawbacks of IT, so these will need to be discussed in separate paragraphs.

Here is the first body paragraph:

On the positive side, email has made communication, especially abroad, much simpler and faster. This has resulted in numerous benefits for commerce and business as there is no need to wait weeks for letters or take time sending faxes, which was the case in the past. Furthermore, the World Wide Web means that information on every conceivable subject is now available to us. For example, people can access news, medical advice, online education courses and much more via the internet.  These developments have made life far easier and more convenient for many.

The controlling idea in this first paragraph is the 'benefits of IT', and there are two supporting ideas, which are underlined. No drawbacks are discussed as the paragraph would then lose coherence.

Most of the essay will focus on the negative aspects of IT, as the writer says there are more negative effects in the introduction. So the next two paragraphs are about these.

The topic sentence in the next paragraph therefore tells us we are changing the focus to the negative points:

Nevertheless, the effects of this new technology have not all been beneficial. For example, many people feel that the widespread use of email is destroying traditional forms of communication such as letter writing, telephone and face-to-face conversation. This could result in a decline in people's basic ability to socialize and interact with each other on a day-to-day basis.

The final body paragraph gives the last negative effect:

In addition, the large size of the Web has meant that it is nearly impossible to regulate and control. This has led to many concerns regarding children accessing unsuitable websites and the spread of computer viruses. Unfortunately, this kind of problem might even get worse in the future at least until more regulated systems are set up.

3) Conclusion

The conclusion only needs to be one or two sentences, and you can do the following:

• Re-state what the essay is about (re-write the last sentence of your introduction in different words)
• Give some thoughts about the future

Here is an example:

In conclusion, developments in IT have brought many benefits, yet I believe that these are outweighed by the drawbacks. In the future these will need to be addressed if we are to avoid damaging impacts on individuals and society.

The Full IELTS Essay

The last two decades have seen enormous changes in the way people's lives are affected by IT, with many advances in this field. However, while these technological advances have brought many benefits to the world, I strongly believe that these developments in IT will result in more negative impacts than positive.

Nevertheless, the effects of this new technology have not all been beneficial. For example, many people feel that the widespread use of email is destroying traditional forms of communication such as letter writing, telephone and face-to-face conversation. This could result in a decline in people's basic ability to socialize and interact with each other on a day-to-day basis.

(290 Words)

The IELTS essay introduction talks in general about the increasing use of IT, thus introducing the topic well. The thesis then clearly sets out the writers opinion.

The following paragraph mentions the present benefits of these developments, but the opening sentence in the third paragraph is a qualifying statement (Nevertheless, not all the effects... ), so the writer can now focus on the negative elements.

The fourth paragraph provides two other negative examples (lack of regulation, viruses). Both paragraphs suggest that these problems will continue in the future.

The essay concludes with a clear opinion that agrees with the statement.

Overall, it is a well-balanced text that mentions the present situation ( ...this has made life.. .) but importantly, also refers to the future of IT (. ..likely to increase..., might get worse. ..).

Now you know the basics of writing an IELTS Essay, you can go on and look at further sample essays or if you prefer, check out the next lessons for Writing Task 2.

More Task 2 IELTS Lessons:

Writing an IELTS Essay Conclusion

The IELTS essay conclusion is the final part of your IELTS essay. This lesson guides you on how to write a conclusion quickly but effectively.

Transitional Phrases for Essays

Learn transitional phrases for essays to get a band 7 or higher in your IELTS writing for coherence and cohesion.

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2 can be difficult but complex ideas are not expected.

Requirements for IELTS Band 7 in Writing

Getting to an IELTS Band 7 is a struggle for many candidates. This lesson explains exactly what you have to do to reach this band score.

The 3 Types of IELTS Opinion Essays in IELTS

IELTS opinion essays in IELTS can be placed into three types. This lesson explains the different types and how to analyse these essay questions.

IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Tips and Strategies

An advantage disadvantage essay is one type of essay that you may get in the test. This lesson shows how to write a pros cons essay.

Can you use Personal Pronouns in Essays for IELTS?

Learn how to use personal pronouns in essays for IELTS correctly. Can you use "I", "we" and "you"?

Using Substitution in IELTS to Improve Writing Coherency

You can use substitution in your IELTS essays in order to improve coherency and coherence.

Thesis Statement Tips for IELTS Essays

Your thesis statement in an IELTS essay should be written quickly and concisely. Use these tips to do that.

IELTS Problem Solution Essay Strategies and Tips

In IELTS problem solution essays you have to discuss a particular issue and present ideas to solve that problem.

How to use brainstorming and planning to generate essay ideas.

Brainstorming and planning is a key step in developing your IELTS essay. This lesson has tips on how to coming up with ideas and organising them.

IELTS Music Essay: Understanding a Complex Question

An IELTS essay about music is used to show you how to answer a more complex IELTS essay question that does not have a clear 'task' given to you.

Using Pronouns to Improve IELTS Essay Coherency

Find out how to use pronouns to improve your coherency for IELTS task 2 essays.

How to Identify the Task in an IELTS Essay

Learn how to identify the task in an IELTS task 2 essay question. This is one of the most important steps in responding to an essay question.

Writing an IELTS Essay Introduction

Tips on how to write an introduction for an IELTS essay introduction in a quick and easy way.

IELTS Task Response - 25% of your essay grade

The IELTS Task Response criteria in the scoring makes up 25% of your band score for your essay.

Improving Writing Coherence for IELTS essays

25% of the writing grade is on how you organise your essay so this lesson shows you how to improve your writing coherence.

Paragraph Writing for IELTS: Building strong arguments

This paragraph writing lesson provides tips on constructing the best paragraphs for your IELTS essay.

Tips on How to Score IELTS Band 8 in Writing and Speaking

To score IELTS Band 8 you need to understand exactly what is in the IELTS Band Descriptors for an 8 for writing and speaking first.

How to Identify the Topic of an IELTS Essay Question

In IELTS you must identify the topic of your essay as this is a key to making sure your essay is on topic.

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5 Types of IELTS Essays with Questions and Samples

In IELTS Writing Task 2 (both General and Academic), there are 5 different types of essays:

• Discussion essay (Discuss both views essay)
• Agree/disagree essay (Opinion essay)
• Advantage/disadvantage essay
• Problem/solution essay
• Two-part question essay (Direct question essay)

Note that no matter what type of IELTS essay you have to write, you need to make sure that you always follow the instructions and write at least 250 words.

IELTS Discussion Essay Questions

IELTS discussion essay asks you to "Discuss both views/sides and give your opinion".

For example:

Some people think that wild animals should not be kept in zoos. Others believe that there are good reasons for having zoos.

Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

See also: Discussion Essay Sample

IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay Questions

IELTS agree/disagree essay, also known as an opinion essay, asks you "Do what extent do you agree?", "Do you agree or disagree?", "What is your opinion?".

Medical procedures for cosmetic purposes should not be allowed.

Do you agree or disagree?

See also: Agree/Disagree Essay Sample

IELTS Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Questions

IELTS advantage/disadvantage essay asks you "What are the advantages of this?", "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?".

Today more and more tourists are visiting places where conditions are difficult, such as the Sahara desert or the Antarctic.

What are the benefits and disadvantages for tourists who visit such places?

See also: Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Sample

IELTS Problem/Solution Essay Questions

IELTS problem/solution essay asks you "What can be done about this problem?", "How could this situation be improved?".

Even though doctors all over the world agree that fast food is bad for people's health, more and more people are eating it.

Why are more people eating fast food?

What can be done about this problem?

See also: Problem/Solution Essay Sample

IELTS Two-part Question Essay Questions

IELTS two-part question essay, also known as direct question essay, asks you to write in response to two or more direct questions.

Millions of people every year move to English speaking countries such as Australia, Britain or America, in order to study at school, college or university.

Why do so many people want to study English?

Why is English such an important international language?

See also: Two-part Question Essay Sample

See more useful IELTS essay resources:

• How to write an IELTS essay?
• How to Improve IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay?
• Essay vocabulary
• Linking & cohesive words

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• Essay Task 2

IELTS Essay Types with Writing Topics and Samples

• Essay Types
• Double Question
• Advantage Disadvantage
• Problem Solution
• Essay Length

IELTS writing task 2 requires you to write an essay of at least 250 words that responds to a given topic. You will need to summarise details, give your opinion and support your reasons and arguments with relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.  This guide is an overview of each type of IELTS writing task 2 question and contains example questions, useful tips, essay structures and some common mistakes to avoid.

Table of Contents

1.1 overview of ielts writing task 2.

• 1.2 Common Mistakes

2.1 Top tips

2.2 example questions, 2.3 essay structure.

• 2.4 Sample essay

3.1 Top tips

3.2 example questions, 3.3 essay structure, 3.4 sample essay, 4.1 top tips.

• 4.2 Example questions

4.3 Essay structure

4.4 sample essay, 5.1 top tips, 5.2 example questions, 5.3 essay structure.

• 5.4 Sample Essay

6.1 Top tips

• 6.2 Example question

6.3 Essay structure

6.4 sample essay.

• Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors Explained

1. IELTS Writing Task 2 Explained

Writing task 1 asks you to write a report whereas IELTS writing task 2 asks you to write a formal report about a global topic. This is your opportunity to show that you can fully develop your ideas, given an opinion and support your reasons with examples.

After you have spent 20 minutes on writing task 1, you will have 40 minutes left to focus on writing task 2.  Writing task 2 is worth about 66% of your overall writing score .

Your task is to write a formal essay that is at  least 250 words in response to an IELTS statement. We recommend that you aim for 270-290 words to sufficiently develop your ideas .

There are five main types of IELTS writing task 2 essay types:

Read on for tips, sample essays and common mistakes made for each of these essay types.

2. Opinion Essays

Opinion essay questions may be worded in various ways. Here are some of the most common:

• What is your opinion
• Do you think…

To what extent do you agree?

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

• Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

To address all parts of the task, you need to do the following three things in your opinion essay:

• Choose one side of the argument
• To state your opinion about a given topic
• Support your opinion with clear reasons and examples

A common mistake is to treat an opinion essay in the same way as an advantage/disadvantage essay. To avoid this error, make sure you:

• Pick one side of the argument and develop the best argument for this point using reasons and examples
• Briefly acknowledge the other side of the argument throughout your essay
• Do not give reasons or examples to support the other side of the argument
• Focus on arguments to support your opinion rather than giving advice

Some people think that more money should be spent on protecting endangered species while others think it is a waste of valuable money.

What is your opinion?

Systems of funding university education are different from country to country. While some countries charge students for studying at university, others offer university education for free.

Do you think students should pay for higher education?

Every school system in the world includes regular tests and exams, and many people think that it is important for students to take lots of exams.

Children should not start school until the age of six or seven because they need to have more time to play and develop before they go to school.

Scientists and technology experts seem to be more valued by modern society than musicians and artists.

Here’s our recommended structure for an IELTS opinion essay:

2.4 Sample Essay on IELTS Opinion Topic

Nowadays, the growing trend in education is to have an increasing number of assessments like tests and exams. Some people argue that this is necessary to improve exam results. However, it is my view that testing in schools has become too frequent and has had a detrimental effect on students. This essay will explain my opinion in further detail.

One reason I believe that students are completing too many tests is that the pressure of preparing and carrying out exams often leads to stress and illness among students. In many countries, it is a common practice to test children from a very early age, such as six or seven years old. As a result, an ever increasing amount of children are now suffering from anxiety and depression brought on by exam pressures. If there were fewer tests, students may have a more enjoyable experience at school and their overall learning outcomes may also improve.

Another argument in favour of reducing the number of exams and tests students take is that children should not only focus on exam preparation, but also the development of other life skills. For instance, students should learn the importance of working together and cooperating as a team as these skills are not only important in their daily lives, but will also enhance their future job prospects. If schools reduced the number of tests they gave, teachers would be able to focus on enhancing and practising these skills in the classroom. Having said that, there are those who argue that frequent testing is essential as it raises the profile and the standards of a school. For instance, these people may argue that children who take tests at a young age will produce better results throughout their school years and raise the overall ranking of an educational institution.

In conclusion, having looked at this topic in detail, although it is true to bear in mind the importance of testing, on balance my view is that schools should reduce the frequency of tests and examinations. By doing this, schools can dedicate more time to the development of essential life skills, as well as allowing children to have free-time to relax and play.

3. Discussion Essays

Identify the question by looking at the instruction words. You should see something similar to:

• Discuss both sides and give your opinion
• Discuss both sides

Choose if you want to take a thesis-led or an evidence-led approach to your essay. Remember:

• Thesis-led- State your opinion in the introduction and restate in the conclusion
• Evidence-led- Give your opinion in the conclusion

A common mistake is that candidates do not discuss both sides of the argument or forget to state their opinion. Make sure to:

• Discuss both sides in each part of your essay (introduction, main body paragraphs and conclusion)
• If you are asked to give your opinion, take a thesis-led approach. If you are not asked for your opinion, it is still a good idea to give it in the conclusion (evidence-led)

Here are some example discussion essay questions:

Some people say that governments are responsible for dealing with environmental issues. Other people believe that it is the individual’s responsibility to take action to protect the environment.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people think that environmental problems should be solved on a global scale while others believe it is better to deal with them nationally.

There seems to be an increasing number of serious crimes committed each year. While some think the best way is to use the death penalty as a deterrent, many people believe that other measures will be needed.

Discuss both sides.

Some people feel that it is better to live in a city while others believe that life is better in the countryside.

Many people think governments should fund art, while others believe that artists should be responsible for funding their work.

Discuss both views.

Evidence-led

Some people believe that governments should make laws about environmental issues and then strictly enforce those laws. Others say that it is better for governments to encourage and educate the population to make environmental changes.

There is no doubt that the world is facing numerous environmental problems. It is argued by some that the most effective way to address these issues is for the government to implement strict environmental protection laws. However, there are others that argue against government intervention and they should instead focus on promoting green practices by its citizens instead of enforcing legislation.

One reason people believe that environmental laws should be legislated is that it ensures that everyone is aiming for the same standards and following the same set of rules. If these rules are only optional, it is likely that some people and organisations may opt out and choose not to follow them. Therefore, laws need to be put in place to ensure that everyone complies with the same environmental standards. Another argument that can be put forward is that by putting financial tariffs in place for non-environmental practices, positive changes could be seen more quickly. For example, if governments put a levy on plastic bags, people will be less likely to use single-use plastic bags as they will not want to pay.

On the other hand, many people believe that educating the public about environmental changes they can make is more likely to promote change than enforcing laws. These people believe that encouraging people to form more sustainable habits, such as recycling, will be far more effective as people will likely encourage others to do the same as they are not being forced into green-practices by law and they feel a greater sense of autonomy. In addition, it can be argued that governments should value the intelligence of their citizens and treat them like adults that can make up their minds concerning environmental practices, for instance, letting people choose if they want to use a single-use or reusable water bottle.

In conclusion, having looked at both sides of the argument, my view is that the government should both enforce laws in addition to educating the public. They should make sure rules are followed in important areas such as reducing speed limits around cities to reduce levels of pollution. Furthermore, they should also undertake more educational events to persuade the public to choose to act in green ways, rather than do it out of obligation or because they are forced to by law.

4. Problem Solution Essays

Make sure you understand the task requirements for different types of problem/solution essays. There are three question types:

• Write about a problem and possible solutions to that problem
• Write about a cause of a problem and possible solutions
• Only write about the solutions

A common mistake made by test takers is incorrectly identifying the question. You should also be able to recognise typical wording for each problem/solution question type using these examples:

• What problems arise from this and how can they be tackled?
• What do you think the causes are? What are the solutions?
• What solution can you suggest to deal with this problem?

Another useful skill for this essay type is to be able to notice synonyms, for example:

Problem : Situation; resulting in…; issue

Cause : Reason; why

Only solution : address; present; solve; improve; tackle; remedy; deal with

4.2 Example Questions

The internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed, but it has also created problems that did not exist before.

What are the most serious problems associated with the internet and what solutions can you suggest?

Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems.

Identify two serious ones and suggest ways that governments and individuals can tackle these problems.

On problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion

What do you think the causes are? What solutions can you suggest?

More and more wild animals are on the verge of extinction and others are on the endangered list.

What are the reasons for this? What can be done to solve the problem?

In many developing countries, there is a problem with declining quality of air and water from both industry and construction.

What measures could be taken to prevent this?

Essay structure 1

Essay structure 2

Many people find that modern life is faster, busier and more stressful than the past. More and more people are suffering with stress in their daily life, and the rates of stress-related illness are increasing.

What are the main causes of stress in modern life?

How can these problems be tackled?

In recent times, there has been a sharp increase in the number of people who are suffering illnesses connected to a stressful lifestyle. There are several reasons why stress is increasing in modern society, including employment insecurity, the increased reliance on technology and excessive working hours. This essay will examine these issues in more detail and propose possible solutions.

One factor behind stress in modern life is the lack of job security. Nowadays, it is common for people to be employed on zero-hours contracts asn, as a result, this could lead them to worry about the availability of hours and subsequent pay they will receive each week. To deal with this problem, governments could implement laws that would forbid these types of contracts. If this was enforced, workers would be more secure and have less financial stress in their daily lives.

A further cause of stress is the increased use of technology. Although there are a multitude of benefits brought about by technology, it can also have negative effects on the working patterns of employees. For example, many workers feel pressured to check their emails during their free time which can impact their ability to have a healthy work-life balance. One way forward would be for organisations to enstate company policies that prohibit the answering of emails outside of working hours. A further contributing factor to stress can be the long working hours expected of employees. In many cases, people are working increasingly long hours  and there is often a social pressure to work late to be deemed as a good employee. To counteract this problem, governments could put measures in place to monitor maximum working hours of staff.

In conclusion, it is clear there are a range of causes behind the stresses of modern life, many of which are connected to the workplace and technology. Unless these issues are addressed, I believe that stress-related illnesses will continue to rise  and therefore, both governments and employers need to take responsibility and implement measures to take care of employees’ physical and mental wellbeing.

5. Advantage Disadvantage Essays

Advantage/disadvantages essays are usually worded in the following ways:

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion.
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of _____ and give your opinion.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of _____ ?

It is also useful to be able to identify IELTS synonyms for advantages and disadvantages:

• What are the benefits and drawbacks of…?

A common mistake is that candidates do not express their opinion at any point in the essay. There are two methods you could take depending on the question. Take these examples:

• What are some advantages and disadvantages of living in a foreign country? You are not being asked to give your opinion but you should still give your opinion in the conclusion (evidence-led approach)
•  Do the advantages of living in the country outweigh the disadvantages? You should give your opinion in the introduction and then restate this in the conclusion

In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have more of an opportunity to study abroad.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Today children spend a lot of their free time watching TV.

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of this practice?

The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace. Nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy.

The benefits of nuclear technology far outweigh the disadvantages.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have the opportunity to study abroad.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

More and more people prefer to read news online rather than on paper.

Do you think  the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.

Thesis-led approach

Evidence-led approach

5.4 Sample Answer

Some people find living in the country enjoyable and relaxing, whereas others would not like to live in the country and prefer living in a big city instead.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the countryside?

In recent years, a significant number of people have decided to move out of large cities in favour of living in more rural areas. Many believe there are significant benefits of doing this, while others think that there are drawbacks connected to living in the countryside. This essay will examine both points of view before I give my opinion.

One advantage of living in the country is that the pace of life is slower. If you live in the countryside, there are less daily pressures and you are not stuck in the rat race as you might be in a busy city. Furthermore, people have more time in their daily lives to dedicate to their physical and mental health. As a result, people living in the countryside have a greater quality of life and sense of wellbeing. Another benefit of living in the countryside is that there is less traffic congestion and more space dedicated to cycle paths and pedestrian areas. In other words, the air quality is better in the country which is also enhanced by the larger amount of green spaces.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages of living in the country. One drawback, especially for younger people, is that there are less amenities and forms of entertainment than the city. For example, there is often a lack of nightlife which means that life for teenagers and young adults may become boring and monotonous. ANother drawback is that there are less job prospects. Living in the country means that it is generally difficult to acquire high-paying job opportunities, particularly if you want to climb the ladder and progress.

To sum up, it is clear that there are both advantages and disadvantages of living in the countryside. In my opinion, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits, especially from the point of view of young people. Although it is true that busy cities can be more stressful, on balance, I believe that cities provide more opportunities and excitement than living in the country.

6. Double Question Essays

For a double question essay, you must address both questions. A common mistake people make is to only address one question. To avoid this, make sure to:

• Identify that you have been given two questions to answer
• Give yourself enough time to dedicate to each question
• Address both questions in your introduction and conclusion
• Focus on one question in the first body paragraph and the other question in the second body paragraph

6.2 Example questions

The internet is a good source of information and has opened up opportunities for people all over the world.

Is all the information reliable online?

What could be done to control information online?

Many people prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced films.

Why could this be?

Should governments give more financial support to local film industries?

Nowadays, many people have easy access to computers and a large number of children play computer games.

What are the negative impacts of playing computer games?

What can be done to minimise these effects?

In spite of the advances in medicine, many people around the world still die from preventable diseases.

Why is this the case?

What can be done about this problem?

In most countries, the major museums are owned by the government, and some governments have decided not to charge people to enter those museums.

What are the pros and cons of making museums free to enter for everyone?

Do you think all governments should make major museums free for everyone?

The majority of governments around the world have decided to abolish entry fees to their most important museums. Some people believe that this puts a financial burden on the taxpayer and that the government should focus their spending on more significant projects. However, it is my view that making museums free is an effective use of government spending that has financial and cultural benefits.

One argument in favour of ensuring all museums are free to the public is that it will increase tourist numbers. Tourists are often attracted to cities with free cultural attractions, therefore, fee-free museums could be one determining factor that causes tourists to visit a country. In addition, local people can also benefit from this scheme as it opens opportunities to access culture and learning for those living in that city, particularly for those from low-income families that may otherwise be unable to access these experiences.

On the other hand, some argue that the government should reevaluate its priorities and spend less money funding museums and more expenditure on important sectors like education and health. These people believe that education and health are more fundamental to people’s lives. In times of austerity, it is often argued that spending on art and culture is not justified. Furthermore, the entrance fees for museums are often low and considered affordable for most people.

In conclusion, although I believe it is true that the allocation of government resources should prioritise important sectors such as health and education, on balance I believe that museums should be made free as it allows people from all socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to learn and experience a country’s cultural treasures. If governments do decide to charge people to enter museums, this will only benefit those who can afford to pay whilst excluding those on lower incomes.

7. Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors Explained

7.1 task response (25%).

To achieve a high band score in task achievement, you must:

• Produce a formal essay (unlike writing task 1, you are allowed to use the first person ‘I’ to give your opinion in this essay)
• Write at least 250 words (you need to be able to sufficiently develop your ideas)
• Address all the issues given in the essay question (e.g. if the question asks you to discuss both sides of the argument, you should not only write about 1 side)
• Make sure your essay focuses on the specific issues in the statement question, not just the general essay topic
• Support your ideas with relevant examples

7.2 Coherence and Cohesion (25%)

To achieve a high band score in Coherence and Cohesion, you must:

• Organise your essay logically
• Use paragraphs (ideally four-five paragraphs: an introduction, two/three main body paragraphs and a conclusion)
• Only focus on one issue per paragraph and develop your argument
• Use a range of linking devices accurately and appropriately
• Use referencing effectively to avoid repetition (e.g., using ‘this’ or a pronoun to refer to refer back in your text to a noun/noun phrase)

7.3 Lexical Resource (25%)

To achieve a high band score in Lexical Resource, you must:

• Paraphrase carefully using a range of synonyms/antonyms/ collocations
• Use a range of vocabulary appropriate to the topic
• Show understanding of collocations (e.g. verb noun collocations)
• Avoid making spelling mistakes
• Avoid making errors in word choice
• Avoid informal language (e.g. slang and contractions)

7.4 Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)

To achieve a high band score in Grammatical Range and Accuracy, you must:

• Use a range of grammar tenses (e.g. past, present, future and perfect tenses; conditionals;)
• Make sure you use appropriate words order
• Use a range of sentences structures (e.g. simple and complex; active and passive voice)
• Use the correct punctuation (capital letters, full stops, commas etc.)
• Avoid grammatical errors, especially those that cause difficulty for the reader (give yourself time to read through your essay at the end of the test and check for errors)

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Question types in the IELTS Academic Writing test

Find out about the questions you might encounter in the IELTS Academic test. Add them to your study plan so you can put your best foot forward on test day.

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A quick look at the ielts academic writing test, summarising facts or figures from graphic information, writing an essay.

Duration: 60 minutes

The IELTS Academic Writing test is made up of two tasks. The topics in these tasks are related to areas of general interest and are suitable for test takers entering undergraduate and postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration. Responses to both tasks must be written in a formal style. 

Task 1  

You will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and present data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object, plan or design.  

Task 2  

You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. You will support your point of view with relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience. 

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you will be shown some visual information, a visual way to represent information. You may be shown one or more than one visual. This visual information can be shown as a: 

Table 

Chart  

Process 

Graph 

You will also be given instructions so summarise the information you see by selecting and reporting the main features you see, making comparisons where relevant.  You will need to do an information transfer task – the visual information you are given needs to be presented in the form of text. 

To complete the task successfully, you will need to: 

Write an introduction 

Write an overview (a summary of what you see) 

Present and highlight the key features with figures (data) 

You will need to write a minimum of 150 words and answers must be written in full, no bullet points or notes.  

In Task 2 of the Academic Writing test, you are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, an argument, or a problem. Essays should be written in an academic, or semi-formal style. Topics are about relevant issues and focus on a particular aspect of the topic. For example, if the topic is about computers, the focus will be on a particular aspect rather than writing about computers in general.   

The task instructions give you information about the question telling you how to discuss the topic in your essay. You may be asked to provide factual information, outline and present solutions, justify an opinion or evaluate evidence and ideas. It is important that you complete the task carefully using relevant ideas and examples to support your position. Your ideas should be organised clearly, using paragraphs for each idea. You must write a minimum of 250 words.  

You are assessed on your ability to follow English essay-writing conventions to organise and link information in a coherent way using language accurately and appropriately to express your ideas and opinions.

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3 Types of IELTS Writing Task 2 Essays

This post will compare the 3 types of IELTS essays and highlight the similarities and differences among them. For all kinds of essays, one main idea for each body paragraph is sufficient. While you can have many explanations or supporting ideas, one main idea is more than enough for you to expand upon and support or justify by providing reasons and/or examples.

One common mistake a lot of students make is not mentioning their own opinion. In any IELTS essay question, there is a sentence at the bottom that says, ‘Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience’.

This is further emphasized in the requirement of Type 2 Discussion Essay: ‘Discuss both these views and give your own opinion’. If you only talk about what other people think, without writing about your own opinion, you will lose marks.

What are the 3 Types of Task 2 Essays?

Type 1 argument essay.

This is the kind of question that usually asks you to pick a side of the argument and support it with reasons.

Examples of Type 1 questions:

• What is your opinion?
• Do you agree or disagree?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• To what extend to you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

A full essay question could look like this:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. 

Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages? 

Give reasons for your answer and include any relaxant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Strictly speaking, you can simply choose one side and write a response, e.g. I agree/ disagree that…, and achieve band 7.0 in writing by delivering a structured essay with a lot of ‘Topic Language’, few grammar errors, plus well supported arguments.

If you need a score higher than band 7.0, it is then recommended that you write a balanced discussion on both sides of the argument and present your final conclusion; in this scenario, sentences like ‘While it is certain that xxxx, I believe xxx; Although I agree that xxx, I think…’ are very helpful in your introduction.

Be careful not to write like a discussion essay where you talk about what other people consider for and against the argument; instead, talk about what you, as the writer, think by using sentences such as ‘I consider that; I accept that; I believe that’.

In short, you have the flowing options when it comes to Argument Essays:

• Totally agree
• Somewhat agree
• Somewhat disagree
• Totally disagree

If your stance is somewhat agree or disagree, you need to state which side you choose in the end; otherwise, you risk being stuck in the middle without telling the reader your position.

A typical 4-paragraph structure for an Argument Essay:

• Introduction
• Ideas to support your stance
• Ideas to support your stance (if your choice is somewhat agree/ disagree, write about the other side of the argument)
• Conclusion to repeat your stance + a summary of your main ideas (one from each of the 2 body paragraphs)

Type 2 Discussion Essay

This is the type that requires you to mention both sides of the argument. Note that there are usually three parts in the question:

• Supporting side of the argument
• Opposing side of the argument
• The candidate’s own opinion

In this kinds of essay, paragraphing is extremely important. Under the typical 4-paragraph structure, it is recommended that the first body paragraph mainly contains ideas that support the argument, while the other body paragraph comprises of ideas that oppose the argument. To clearly convey your own ideas, it is suggested that you leave them until the conclusion of your essay.

The reason for this is that because if you include your own ideas in the introduction, you may mislead the reader into thinking that the essay is only about your ideas, when the question asks you to ‘Discuss both these views’. Moreover, if  your own ideas are included in the main body paragraphs, then it is hard to distinguish your own ideas from what other people believe (as you need to discuss what others think). The examiner may not be able to quickly identify whether you have completed all three parts of the requirements. For an example, please refer to the (Paragraph and Structure post).

Examples of Type 2 questions:

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of xxx.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.
• Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.

Some people think that it is better to educate boys and girls in separate schools. Others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed school. 

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion  

A typical 4-paragraph structure for a Discussion Essay:

• Ideas to support one side of the argument
• Ideas to support the other side of the argument
• Conclusion to sum up the ideas for and against the argument + Your own stance and reason

Type 3 Multiple-Question Essay

While the most common question of this type of essay ask you to discuss a problem and present possible solutions for it, it is not always the case. Sometimes the question may ask your stance for an argument then require you to write about an additional question.

Examples of Type 3 questions:

• What is the causes for this problem and what are some potential solutions?
• What problems does this phenomenon cause, and how do we avoid them?
• Do you agree or disagree with the problem and how do we resolve it?

It is important for children to learn the difference between right and wrong at an early age. Punishment is necessary to help them learn this distinction. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this option? 

What sort of punishment should parents and teachers be allowed to use to teach good behavior to children? 

Give reasons for your answer and include any relaxant examples from you own knowledge or experience.

A common mistake seen in problem and solution essay is that students write about the problems but fail to provide a solution for every problem. Note that you should include a solution for each of the problems mentioned in the essay to achieve a good score in task response.

A typical 4-paragraph structure for a Multiple-Question essay:

• Response for the first question
• Response for the second question
• Conclusion to sum up your ideas for the 2 questions + A recommendation
• ← Paragraph & Structure – IELTS Writing Task 2

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Writing Task 2 Sample

IELTS Writing Task 2 ( also known as IELTS Essay Writing ) is the second task of your IELTS Writing test. Here, you will be presented with an essay topic and you will be scored based on your ability to respond to the topic.

You need to write at least 250 words and justify your opinion with arguments, discussion, examples, problem outlining, proposing possible solutions and supporting your position. You will have approximately 40 minutes to finish your Essay Writing. IELTS Writing Task 2 carries more weights than Writing Task 1.

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Band 9 Guide: IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types and Structures + Sample Essays

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, you are required to craft a compelling essay on a given topic. The approach and structure will largely depend on the question type presented. This guide offers a detailed look into the various question types, their structures, and strategies to tackle them effectively.

Here are the essay types that we will cover:

• Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree)
• Advantages and Disadvantages Questions
• Discussion (Discuss Both Views) Questions
• Problem and Solution Questions
• Two-Part Questions
• Mixed Type (Advantages and Disadvantages + Opinion)
• Double Question
• Causes (Reasons) and Effects

At the end, we will provide you with some supplementary tips that you can use to improve your writing band score in the IELTS exam.

1. Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree)

This question type asks you to express your viewpoints on a given topic or statement.

Question Example:

Is digital technology in schools beneficial for students learning?

Essay Structure:

• Introduction : Paraphrase the Question and state your opinion, outlining the main ideas.
• Main Body Paragraph 1 : Begin with a topic sentence, explain this topic sentence, and provide an example.
• Main Body Paragraph 2 : Follow the same format as the previous paragraph.
• Conclusion : Recap the main points and reiterate your opinion.

Sample Essay:

Introduction: Digital technology has become an integral part of modern education, transforming the way students learn and interact with the world. In this essay, I will outline why I believe that incorporating digital technology in schools is highly beneficial for students learning.

Main Body Paragraph 1: First and foremost, digital technology enhances engagement and active participation in the learning process. Interactive learning platforms, virtual simulations, and multimedia resources make lessons more captivating and encourage students to explore concepts in depth. For instance, online platforms like Khan Academy offer interactive math lessons that adapt to individual learning paces, ensuring a personalized and effective learning experience. This level of engagement fosters a deeper understanding of subjects.

Main Body Paragraph 2: Furthermore, digital technology equips students with practical skills relevant to the digital age. In today’s interconnected world, proficiency in using digital tools and navigating online resources is essential for success. Integrating technology into education not only prepares students for the future job market but also empowers them to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. For instance, coding workshops in schools enable students to develop computational thinking, a skill applicable in a wide range of disciplines.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the integration of digital technology into schools brings numerous advantages to students’ learning experiences. It enhances engagement, promotes practical skills, and cultivates a mindset of adaptability and innovation. While some may argue that excessive screen time can be detrimental, judicious use of technology can mitigate these concerns. By embracing digital technology, schools can provide a holistic and dynamic education that prepares students for the challenges of the modern world.

Advanced Tips:

• Be clear in your stance and acknowledge counterarguments if necessary.
• Employ persuasive tools like strong adjectives, rhetorical questions, and emphatic structures to bolster your arguments.

2. Advantages and Disadvantages Questions

You need to evaluate both the benefits and drawbacks of a particular topic or situation.

What are the pros and cons of remote work for professionals?

• Introduction : Paraphrase the Question and outline the main points.
• Main Body Paragraph 1 : Discuss two advantages, expand on each, and provide an example.
• Main Body Paragraph 2 : Detail two disadvantages, delve deeper into each, and give an example.
• Conclusion : Summarize the main pros and cons discussed.

Introduction: The advent of technology has revolutionized the way professionals work, giving rise to the concept of remote work. In this essay, I will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of remote work for professionals.

Main Body Paragraph 1: Remote work offers several compelling advantages for professionals. Firstly, it provides a flexible work environment that allows individuals to balance their personal and professional lives effectively. This flexibility can lead to increased job satisfaction and improved overall well-being. Moreover, remote work eliminates the need for daily commutes, saving valuable time and reducing stress. According to a study conducted by Global Workplace Analytics, remote workers report higher levels of productivity due to reduced distractions commonly found in traditional office settings.

Main Body Paragraph 2: However, remote work also presents certain challenges. One notable disadvantage is the potential for isolation and reduced collaboration. In a traditional office environment, spontaneous interactions and face-to-face discussions foster creativity and teamwork. Remote work can lead to feelings of loneliness and hinder effective communication, which is crucial for innovative solutions to complex problems. Additionally, remote work requires a high level of self-discipline, as the absence of direct supervision may lead to procrastination and decreased accountability.

Conclusion: In conclusion, remote work offers professionals a range of benefits such as flexibility and time savings. However, it is not without its drawbacks, including potential isolation and reduced collaboration. To maximize the advantages of remote work while mitigating its disadvantages, professionals must cultivate effective communication skills, establish a dedicated workspace, and maintain a disciplined work routine. Ultimately, the success of remote work hinges on the ability to strike a balance between the convenience it offers and the challenges it poses.

• Use transitional phrases to ensure smooth transitions between points.
• Avoid mere antonyms when presenting pros and cons.

3. Discussion (Discuss Both Views) Questions

These questions require you to explore multiple perspectives on a topic.

Should governments prioritize economic growth over environmental conservation?

• Introduction : Paraphrase the Question and provide a thesis statement.
• Main Body Paragraph 1 : Detail one viewpoint, give reasons for/against it and provide an example.
• Main Body Paragraph 2 : State the opposing viewpoint, discuss it, and again offer an example.
• Conclusion : Sum up the discussion and state your preferred perspective.

Introduction: The delicate balance between economic growth and environmental conservation has become a critical concern in contemporary societies. In this essay, I will delve into both perspectives on whether governments should prioritize economic growth or environmental conservation.

Main Body Paragraph 1: From an economic standpoint, prioritizing growth can lead to numerous benefits. Economic expansion creates job opportunities, boosts national income, and improves living standards for citizens. For instance, countries like China and India have experienced significant economic growth that has lifted millions out of poverty. This growth can fund essential services such as healthcare and education, contributing to overall societal development.

Main Body Paragraph 2: On the other hand, environmental conservation holds paramount importance for the future well-being of our planet. Ecological degradation and resource depletion have dire consequences for ecosystems and humanity alike. Focusing on environmental conservation ensures the preservation of biodiversity, clean air, and freshwater sources. For instance, countries like Sweden have successfully implemented green policies, resulting in cleaner air and sustainable use of natural resources.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the debate over whether governments should prioritize economic growth or environmental conservation is complex and multifaceted. While economic growth brings prosperity and improved living standards, neglecting environmental concerns could lead to irreversible damage to our planet. Striking a balance between these two perspectives is crucial. Governments can implement policies that promote sustainable economic growth while also ensuring responsible resource management and environmental protection. Only through careful consideration and informed decision-making can societies navigate the intricate interplay between economic progress and environmental stewardship.

• Ensure you give equal weight to both viewpoints.
• Your conclusion should reflect a balanced understanding of the topic.

Read Also : Cohesive Devices for Band 9 in IELTS Writing: The ultimate guide

4. Problem and Solution Questions

This question type asks you to identify problems related to a situation and suggest solutions.

What challenges does urbanization present and how can cities adapt?

• Introduction : Paraphrase the Question and outline the main ideas.
• Main Body Paragraph 1 : Identify the problems, discuss them, and offer examples.
• Main Body Paragraph 2 : Suggest possible solutions, discuss their feasibility, and provide examples.
• Conclusion : Recap the highlighted problems and proposed solutions.

Introduction: The rapid pace of urbanization has transformed the world’s landscape, bringing with it a host of challenges that demand urgent attention. In this essay, I will explore the problems posed by urbanization and propose viable solutions to address these challenges.

Main Body Paragraph 1: Urbanization has given rise to a range of pressing issues. One significant challenge is the strain on urban infrastructure, including transportation and housing. As rural populations migrate to cities, the demand for housing outpaces supply, leading to slums and inadequate living conditions. Additionally, traffic congestion and limited public transport options undermine efficient mobility. Pollution is another critical concern as increased industrial activity and vehicular emissions degrade air quality, endangering residents’ health.

Main Body Paragraph 2: To counter these challenges, cities can adopt proactive measures. Firstly, urban planning should prioritize affordable housing initiatives and sustainable infrastructure development. By building smart cities that utilize technology to manage resources efficiently, governments can alleviate congestion and enhance the quality of life. Moreover, investing in efficient public transportation systems, such as metro networks and buses, can reduce traffic congestion and pollution. For instance, the Bus Rapid Transit system in Curitiba, Brazil, has improved transportation efficiency and reduced congestion.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the challenges posed by urbanization require multifaceted solutions that span urban planning, infrastructure development, and sustainable policies. By addressing housing shortages, improving transportation, and promoting environmentally conscious practices, cities can harness the potential of urbanization while mitigating its negative consequences. This approach will not only enhance the quality of life for urban residents but also contribute to the overall well-being of society in the face of an increasingly urbanized world.

• Be specific in identifying problems and avoid vagueness.
• Solutions should be practical and actionable.

5. Two-Part Questions

You are presented with a statement followed by two distinct queries that must be addressed.

How has digital technology impacted workplaces and what future advancements can be anticipated?

• Introduction : Paraphrase the statement and outline both questions.
• Main Body Paragraph 1 : Address the first question with explanations and examples.
• Main Body Paragraph 2 : Respond to the second question, again with explanations and examples.
• Conclusion : Summarize the responses to both questions.

Introduction: The integration of digital technology into workplaces has reshaped the dynamics of modern work environments, bringing forth both immediate changes and future possibilities. In this essay, I will delve into the ways digital technology has already transformed workplaces and discuss potential advancements that can be anticipated.

Main Body Paragraph 1: The impact of digital technology on workplaces has been profound. Firstly, it has streamlined communication and collaboration, allowing teams to collaborate across geographical boundaries in real-time. Tools like video conferencing and cloud-based document sharing have revolutionized how projects are managed. Moreover, automation powered by artificial intelligence (AI) has improved efficiency by handling routine tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more complex, creative endeavors. This has been particularly evident in industries like manufacturing, where robots have taken over repetitive and dangerous tasks.

Main Body Paragraph 2: Looking ahead, digital technology is poised to bring even more transformative changes. The rise of remote work is likely to continue, with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies offering immersive virtual workspaces that replicate physical office environments. Furthermore, AI-driven analytics will enable data-driven decision-making, enhancing business strategies and customer interactions. The concept of a “smart office” will likely emerge, with interconnected devices and IoT (Internet of Things) technology optimizing resource utilization and energy efficiency.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the impact of digital technology on workplaces has been substantial, revolutionizing communication, automating tasks, and increasing efficiency. As we move forward, advancements such as AR, VR, AI, and IoT hold the promise of further reshaping work environments. To stay competitive, companies must embrace these innovations while also addressing potential challenges like data security and workforce adaptation. By doing so, they can position themselves to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

• Maintain a clear division between your answers to both questions.
• Use predictive techniques when addressing future-related queries.

6. Mixed Type (Advantages and Disadvantages + Opinion)

Here, you should discuss the pros and cons of a topic, followed by expressing a personal opinion.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping and give your own opinion.

• Introduction : Introduce the topic.
• Advantages : 1-2 paragraphs detailing the benefits.
• Disadvantages : 1-2 paragraphs detailing the drawbacks.
• Opinion : State your viewpoint and provide supporting reasons.
• Conclusion : Summarize the main points.

Introduction: The proliferation of online shopping has transformed the way consumers engage in commerce, offering convenience and accessibility like never before. This essay will explore the benefits and drawbacks of online shopping, followed by my personal opinion on its overall impact.

Advantages: Online shopping presents several advantages. Firstly, it offers unparalleled convenience, allowing customers to browse and purchase products from the comfort of their homes. This eliminates the need to travel to physical stores, saving time and energy. Moreover, the variety of options available online ensures a wider selection of products, often at competitive prices. Online platforms also offer detailed product information, reviews, and comparison tools, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.

Disadvantages: However, online shopping is not without its disadvantages. One major concern is the inability to physically inspect products before purchase. This can lead to dissatisfaction if the received item doesn’t match expectations. Additionally, online transactions may pose risks to personal data security and privacy. Cases of identity theft and online scams are not uncommon, raising concerns about the safety of online purchases. Furthermore, the lack of face-to-face interaction eliminates the personal touch of traditional shopping experiences.

Opinion: In my opinion, the advantages of online shopping outweigh its drawbacks. The convenience, vast selection, and competitive prices make it a viable option for today’s busy consumers. The potential risks associated with online transactions can be mitigated by adopting secure payment methods and practicing caution when sharing personal information. As technology continues to advance, addressing security concerns will likely become more effective.

Conclusion: In conclusion, online shopping offers undeniable benefits in terms of convenience, variety, and accessibility. While challenges such as product inspection and security issues persist, they can be managed with prudent shopping practices. Embracing online shopping while remaining vigilant about its potential pitfalls can lead to a rewarding and efficient shopping experience.

• Balance your essay by giving equal importance to advantages, disadvantages, and your opinion.
• Use rhetorical questions to highlight the significance of your viewpoint.

Read Also : Common grammar mistakes to avoid in the IELTS writing section

7. Double Question

Two distinct questions are presented that must be answered within the essay.

Why do people attend colleges or universities? What are the benefits of higher education?

• Answer to Question 1 : Provide reasons and examples.
• Answer to Question 2 : Offer explanations and illustrations.
• Conclusion : Recap the main points made.

Introduction: The decision to pursue higher education is driven by a multitude of factors, each intertwined with the potential benefits that education beyond high school can offer. This essay will delve into the reasons individuals choose to attend colleges or universities and the advantages that higher education brings.

Answer to Question 1: People seek higher education for various reasons. Firstly, acquiring specialized knowledge and skills is a primary motivation. Colleges and universities offer structured curricula that equip students with expertise in their chosen fields. Furthermore, higher education provides opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. The university environment encourages critical thinking, independent research, and exposure to diverse perspectives, fostering well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges of the modern world.

Answer to Question 2: The benefits of higher education are manifold. Firstly, it significantly enhances career prospects. Graduates with degrees are often more competitive in the job market, commanding higher salaries and better employment opportunities. Additionally, higher education fosters networking and social connections that can open doors to professional opportunities. Moreover, education beyond high school cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are invaluable assets in various aspects of life. For instance, an educated citizenry contributes to informed decision-making in society and drives innovation.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the decision to attend colleges or universities is driven by a desire for specialized knowledge, personal growth, and expanded opportunities. The benefits of higher education are far-reaching, including improved career prospects, enhanced critical thinking abilities, and societal contributions. As higher education continues to evolve and adapt to changing demands, its role in shaping individuals and society remains indispensable.

• Use connectors like “Firstly” and “Secondly” to distinguish between the two answers.
• Provide real-life examples to make your answers more credible.

8. Evaluation

You should assess the significance, relevance, or implications of a topic or statement.

How significant is the role of technology in education today?

• Significance/Relevance : Describe why the topic is essential.
• Counterarguments : Discuss opposing viewpoints or potential drawbacks.
• Conclusion : Summarize your evaluation.

Introduction: Technology’s pervasive presence in modern education has sparked debates about its significance and impact on learning. This essay will evaluate the role of technology in education today, examining its importance and potential drawbacks.

Significance/Relevance: The role of technology in education is undeniably significant. It has transformed traditional classrooms into dynamic learning environments, offering interactive tools and resources that engage students. Technology facilitates personalized learning experiences, catering to diverse learning styles and paces. For instance, adaptive learning platforms tailor content to individual students’ progress, optimizing comprehension and retention. Moreover, technology has transcended geographical barriers, enabling distance learning and online courses that make education accessible to a global audience.

Counterarguments: However, there are counterarguments to the unqualified significance of technology in education. Overreliance on technology may lead to reduced face-to-face interactions and diminished social skills. Additionally, some educators argue that technology can be a distraction, diverting students’ attention from essential learning objectives. Moreover, the digital divide, where not all students have equal access to technology, can exacerbate educational inequalities.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the role of technology in education is undoubtedly significant, enhancing engagement, personalization, and accessibility. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge potential drawbacks such as social skill erosion and disparities in access. Technology’s effectiveness in education depends on its thoughtful integration and its alignment with pedagogical goals. Striking a balance between harnessing technology’s benefits and mitigating its downsides is essential to maximize its positive impact on modern education.

• Maintain objectivity; avoid extreme positions unless strongly backed by evidence.
• Use qualifiers like “largely”, “often”, or “generally” to avoid making absolute statements.

9. Causes (Reasons) and Effects

This type demands an understanding of the root causes of a situation and its resultant effects.

What are the reasons for increasing obesity rates in children, and what are its consequences?

• Causes/Reasons : Elaborate on the underlying factors.
• Effects/Consequences : Detail the outcomes or repercussions.
• Conclusion : Recap the main causes and effects.

Introduction: The rising prevalence of childhood obesity has emerged as a critical public health concern in many societies. This essay will delve into the underlying causes of increasing obesity rates in children and explore the far-reaching consequences of this alarming trend.

Causes/Reasons: Several factors contribute to the growing obesity rates among children. Firstly, changes in dietary habits have led to increased consumption of processed foods high in sugars and unhealthy fats. Busy lifestyles and convenience-driven choices have shifted diets towards calorie-dense but nutritionally poor options. Sedentary behaviors, fueled by excessive screen time and a decline in physical activity, also play a pivotal role. Reduced outdoor play and an increasing reliance on electronic devices have led to a decline in daily physical activity levels. Furthermore, socioeconomic disparities can impact access to healthy food options and safe play spaces, exacerbating the issue.

Effects/Consequences: The consequences of childhood obesity are multifaceted and far-reaching. In the short term, overweight children often face social and psychological challenges, including low self-esteem and bullying. Moreover, childhood obesity sets the stage for lifelong health problems. Obese children are at a higher risk of developing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal issues. The economic burden on healthcare systems is substantial, as treating obesity-related illnesses places a strain on resources.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the rising prevalence of childhood obesity can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, and socioeconomic disparities. The consequences of childhood obesity extend beyond physical health, impacting mental well-being and straining healthcare systems. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach involving education, policy changes, and community initiatives that promote healthy diets and active lifestyles from an early age.

• Use cause-effect connectors like “due to”, “because of”, “as a result”, and “hence”.
• Illustrate causes and effects with recent studies or statistical data where possible.

Read Also : How to use Complex Sentences in IELTS writing?

Supplementary Skills and Tips

Advanced Writing Techniques :

• Use cohesive devices like ‘however’, ‘moreover’, and ‘therefore’ to ensure fluidity.
• Vary sentence lengths for rhythm and engagement.
• Incorporate credible statistics where appropriate.

Pitfalls to Avoid :

• Stay away from broad generalizations and sweeping statements.
• Use varied vocabulary to prevent monotony.
• Always revise your essay before submission.

Enhancing Vocabulary :

• Improve your vocabulary to make your essay more engaging. For instance, instead of “good”, use words like “beneficial” or “advantageous”.

The Importance of Practice and Feedback :

• Regular practice, coupled with feedback, is key. Take online IELTS mock tests with detailed feedback from certified examiners to improve your writing skills.

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Updated on 08 September, 2023

Mrinal Mandal

Study abroad expert.

IELTS Writing Task 2 in both the IELTS Academic and General Training is a compulsory section with one essay writing question. The essay topics could be of any general interest based on environmental problems, improving educational activities for children, if smoking in public places should be banned, who should take financial care of old people, and many more.

The section evaluates your English writing proficiency based on your ability to respond by giving and justifying an opinion, discussing a topic, summarizing details, outlining problems, identifying possible solutions, and supporting your writing with reasons, arguments, and relevant examples from your knowledge or experience. The word limit for the section is a minimum of 250 words. You are penalized for writing less than 250 words but will not be penalized for crossing the word limit. The task should be completed in 40 minutes.

Table of Contents

Ielts academic writing task 2.

• Discussion Essay

Multi-Part Essay

Multi-part and opinion essay, advantage and disadvantage essay, positive and negative essay, download e-books for ielts preparation, learn more about study abroad, cause and solution essay, ielts general training writing task 2.

• Opinion Essay

Two-Part Questions Essay

Keys tips to prepare for ielts writing task 2, frequently asked questions, download ielts sample papers, important study abroad articles, popular study abroad destinations.

The questions for IELTS Writing Task 2 are fairly general and cover a wide range of topics. While preparing for this section, it becomes important to understand and practice all the types of essays given in the IELTS Task 2. The applicants need to focus and prepare essays on various topics to make it easy to write a winning essay on the examination day. Let’s have a look at different types of essays in IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 and IELTS General Training Writing Task 2.

Recommended Reads:

Here are the different types of essays in IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 that will help you understand the pattern and format.

• Multi-part Essay
• Positive/Negative Essay
• Cause/Solution Essay
• Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

In discussion essays, you get a question with opposing views, where you have to discuss both sides of an statements and give supporting points. Start with mentioning general opinions on both the views based on what others think about it. You can state your personal opinion only if you are asked to do so. 

The easiest way to approach this type of IELTS Task 2 question is to choose one point of view to agree with and disagree with the other. For this, you need to understand the question well and then draft the essay  in such a way that it does justice to both the sides. This is up to you to decide whether you agree with the statement or not. Example: Many consider television is good for students, while some think it is a bad influence. Here, you need to speak for both the sides and finally pen down your opinion. The structure of the discussion essay looks like the following:

• Introduction stating both the views
• Paragraph A with opinion of others on one view
• Paragraph B with opinion of others on another view
• Conclusion Summarizing both the sides and ending with a personal opinion (Only if asked) 

The opinion essay is the most common type of IELTS Task 2 question. Here, the question will be presented with a particular opinion. you need to either agree or disagree with the opinion and provide your their opinion based on relevant information, ideas, and experience. This is also an argumentative essay where the opinions are discussed, and contrary statements are also produced. There should be suitable reasons behind agreeing or disagreeing with the particular opinion in the question. It is important to discuss both views, from agreeing to disagreeing points of view, and then end the essay with your opinion. Example: A big salary is much more important than job satisfaction. Do you agree? Do you disagree? What is your opinion? This is a highly scoring type of essay, but it is essential to understand the question and then present a relevant opinion with the support of evidence and ideas. The following is the structure of the opinion essay:

• Introduction  paraphrasing the question and stating your opinion
• Paragraph A  with no topic sentence but a core idea
• Paragraph B with the expansion and supporting examples of the core idea stated in paragraph A
• Conclude with your final thought or opinion on the question 

In the multi-part essay type, you get one statement followed by two different questions. These questions may or may not be linked. This essay type is known as two question or direct-question essay. Below is the structure of the multi-part essay:

• Introduction paraphrasing the question and highlighting the sentences that answer the two questions
• Paragraph A answering the first question with a topic sentence, explanation, and supporting examples
• Paragraph B answering the second question with a topic sentence, explanation, and supporting examples
• Conclusion highlighting the key points of both the answers 

In the multi-part and opinion essay type, you get one statement followed by two questions. You are expected to analyze both questions and state your opinion. The following easy structure needs to be considered while answering this question:

• Introduction paraphrasing the main idea and highlighting the answers to both the questions
• Paragraph A explaining the first answer with supporting examples
• Paragraph B explaining the second answer with supporting examples
• Conclusion stating your opinion on the questions  

• An advantage and disadvantage essay type is  also a two-part essay, also a two-part essay, where you need to enlist all the advantages and disadvantages of a particular thing, event, or situation. given in the statement. It is essential to understand the question; only then will candidates be able to note down all the perks and drawbacks of a certain sentence. For example, a topic like “Some people think it is good to take a year gap before joining the university.” Write the advantages and disadvantages of this statement. Here, you are not supposed to write your own opinion, or agree or disagree with the statement. It is an informative essay where you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a particular event or thing. Make sure the points are valid for both sides. The question type could be any of the following three categories where:
• you have to write advantages and disadvantages only.
• you have to decide whether the number of advantages outweighs the number of disadvantages or vice versa.
• you have to write advantages and disadvantages along with stating your opinion.

Also, when writing the advantage and disadvantage type of essay, the below essay structure needs to be followed:

• Introduction  rephrasing the question and highlighting the view points from there
• Paragraph A  mentioning one or two advantage(s) along with a detailed explanation and one example
• Paragraph B  mentioning one or two disadvantage(s) along with a detailed explanation and one example
• Conclusion highlighting the key takeaways and your opinion

The positive and negative essay type gives a general statement followed by a question, where you have to write if the given statement is a positive or negative development. Understand the context well to answer this question type. Given below is the easy structure that will help you build a strong essay:

• Introduction paraphrasing the statement and stating your opinion on whether it is negative or positive
• Paragraph A highlighting the positive aspect of the statement along with the explanation and a supporting example
• Paragraph B  highlighting the negative aspect of the statement along with the explanation and a supporting example
• Conclusion mentioning the key points and stating whether it is positive or negative

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A cause and solution essay  types give you a question stating a problem. Here, you are expected to mention the causes of a certain situation or event, along with all the solutions or precautions to avoid such problems. You must analyze and interpret the statement to find the causes and then think of unique and competitive ideas that can stop or prevent those problems For instance, pollution has drastically increased with more and more people switching to personal vehicles. What are the other causes of pollution? Discuss the solutions to overcome the problem of pollution.

Follow the below-mentioned essay structure for cause and solution type of essay in IELTS Writing Task 2:

• Introduction paraphrasing the problem statement given in the question
• Paragraph A mentioning the problem or cause, along with its explanation and supporting example
• Paragraph B mentioning the solution, along with its explanation and supporting example
• Conclusion mentioning the key points and your opinion 

Here are the different types of essays in IELTS General Training Writing Task 2 that will help you understand the pattern and format.

• Two-part Questions Essay

The discussion essay type in the IELTS General Writing Task 2 comes with a statement with two opposing view points. It is the same as the discussion essay question of IELTS Academic Writing Task 2.  Here too, you need to speak on both sides and finally pen down your opinion. The structure of the discussion essay looks like the following:

• Introduction mentioning both the views
• Paragraph A with opinions of others on one view
• Paragraph B with opinions of others on another view
• Conclusion with your personal opinion 

Opinion Essay   

The opinion essay type question in IELTS General Writing Task 2 comes with a statement where you are expected to provide your opinion on the statement. Your opinion must be  based on relevant information, ideas, and experience. The following is the structure of the opinion essay: 

• Conclusion with your final thought or opinion on the question 

The two-part question essay type comes with two questions, and you must answer both questions. In this question, you need to understand what requires your focus before answering it. Your response depends on your understanding of the following three categories of task type:

• Cause + effect
• Cause + opinion
• Cause + solution  

Here is the essay structure for constructing a response toward the two-part essay type:

• Conclusion mentioning the key points of both the answers 

Here are a few tips that will help you answer each type of essay that appears in IELTS Writing Task 2:

• Practice reading the English newspaper’s editorial section to gain a good knowledge of vocabulary and grammar.
• Practice listening to English news channels daily for a better understanding of topics that need your agreement or disagreement.
• Note your keywords while reading the essay questions, and then plan to write your thoughts clearly. This will help in better time management and avoid any confusion.
• Practice as many sample papers as your can before attempting the IELTS exam. This will help you gain experience and improve your writing speed and accuracy. 
• While solving the sample papers, keep a watch and track your time so that you can manage reading, attempting, and revising the question within 40 minutes.

When the decision to go abroad or  study abroad , IELTS becomes one of the most pivotal factors. To score a higher band in IELTS, students need to understand clearly the types of essays they are required to write in IELTS. 

To cater end-to-end requirements of learners planning to pursue higher education abroad, upGrad Abroad has launched a Booster Program . The 12-weeks long extensive program is designed with a keen focus on equipping learners to kick-start their international undergraduate/ postgraduate journey after completing their first year in India. The program is designed to offer support to students in preparation for IELTS, Academic Writing, Profile Building, International Faculty Masterclass, University Application, Education Loan, and Visa Support. Under the Booster Program, all the necessary services are required for a smoother transition from India to abroad.

Also Reads:

How many types of essays are there in IELTS?

There are five types of essays in IELTS. The different types of essays are: Discussion and Opinion Based Essay, Agree/Disagree Essay, Compare and Contrast Essay, Problem and Solution Essay, and Advantages and Disadvantages Essay.

How many types of essays are in IELTS task 2?

In the IELTS writing task 2, students are asked to write an essay of a minimum of 250 words and should be written in 40 minutes.

The five main types of IELTS Task 2 essays: 

• Problem and Solution Essay
• Advantages & Disadvantages Essay

How to write examples in an IELTS essay?

In IELTS writing task is vital to be able to extend ideas to support a student’s viewpoint about a topic. This can be done with supporting points and specific examples. Using examples gives the examiner a clear idea of how a candidate develops the essay's main idea. Stick to one idea in each paragraph and explain it with the topic. The main concept must be relevant and particular to the question asked.

How many types of essays are in IELTS task 1?

IELTS Writing Task 1 is different from the IELTS General test and IELTS Academic Test. In the general test, applicants are presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. In the academic test, candidates are presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in their own words. In IELTS task 1, students are rather asked to write a report than an essay.

How to improve essay writing skills for IELTS?

Here are some tips to improve your essay writing skills for IELTS: 

• Use your time wisely
• Understand the task
• Organize your ideas logically
• Work on your grammatically range & lexical resource
• Learn from your mistakes

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Free online IELTS Academic Writing practice tests - paper

You will be allowed 1 hour to complete two tasks in the IELTS Academic Writing test.

The two parts of this practice Writing test are presented on two separate web pages. Make sure you move swiftly from one page to the next so that your practice is as realistic as possible. If you prefer to work offline, download the test paper.

In the actual test you will do your writing in an answer booklet.

The total time allowed for the IELTS Academic Writing test is 60 minutes. Time yourself and allow just one hour to complete both parts of the test.

Task 2 contributes twice as much as task 1 to the Writing score.

Writing task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on task 1

• write in a formal style
• write at least 150 words

Writing task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on task 2

• write at least 250 words

Instructions to candidates

In the actual test you will be given the following instructions:

• do not open this question paper until you are told to do so
• write your name and candidate number in the spaces at the top of this page
• read the instructions for each task carefully
• answer both of the tasks
• write at least 150 words for task 1
• write at least 250 words for task 2
• write your answers in the answer booklet
• write clearly in pen or pencil; you may make alterations, but make sure your work is easy to read

At the end of the test, hand in both the question paper and your answer booklet.

Once you have completed both tasks, review your work. Download the model answers to see good examples of how to complete the Writing test. 

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IELTS Writing: The 3 Essay Types

Test your understanding of this English lesson

147 comments.

Got 06. Ah essay! Difficult for me as usual. Thank for your effort. You discussed the topic so well.

Do you have any friend? with whom you can speak english?

Thank you Adam for the lesson! I got 7 of 10!

Hi Adam! What do you think, do corporations or educational establishments make difference where you had IELTS exam in Russia or EU? Thanks for the lesson.

Hi Muslim Ru,

No, the score is official and all testing centers are licensed by the British Council.

Thank you teacher….!!!

Thanks for the lesson and happy New Year!

Happy new year to you as well, Byte :)

Thank you teacher! I have a little trouble on question 9. Why not choose A? Is it not a comprasion about pros and cons and then give my own solution? Another: Are there any problems about what I say? Such as grammer vocabulary. It’s my first time to ask question, thank you again.

Hi Jianhua,

It’s not really a hybrid because you are not asked for an opinion on another solution. You are merely asked to provide possibilities. You don’t need to argue a case for them.

You writing is fine, just watch the spelling ;)(spelling counts on the IELTS)

Thanks for this lecture, it is helping me tune into thinking the way it’s needed to score high at IELTS

Hi Adam! I think I have some trouble with hybrid questions! Any suggestions?

Hi Emanuela,

It’s just a matter of reading the task slowly and carefully and dividing the paragraphs into the two parts. You can see more about these types of essays here: https://youtu.be/1W9iimRFmF0

Hope this helps :)

Thank you Adam ! But still out my depth here (7/10). It’s Greek for me.

Keep practicing, Tyrion, and it’ll be all English soon enough ;)

Hi Adam! i apreciate your help whith this topics, i´ll do my best to learn better nex time!

I got 9 out of 10 , but question no.9 about hybrid is a little bit confusing >any way thank you Adam 4 this interesting lesson .

do the advantages outweigh…? This is asking you to choose and defend your choice, but first you need to discuss both pros and cons. This is what makes it a hybrid.

Does this help?

Thanks Adam!!

Thank you. Greaat lesson.

thk you … excellent your guide…

thank you very much sir

The lesson is OK (as usual; thanks, Adam), but the quizz is full of unclear or ambiguous questions. I usually succeed but in this quizz I’ve got a 6/10 :-(

Which questions were unclear Earthling? (I like your handle btw) :)

Thank you Adam, I think if I read previous tests the idea will be much clearer, there is one point I didn’t get it though, in the test below the video, question 9, the correct answer was the second choice while the first choice was exactly as you described under the Hybrid type.. I even rewatched the video again but I’m still confused.

It’s not really a hybrid because you are not asked for an opinion on another solution. You are merely asked to provide possibilities. You don’t need to argue a case for them.

Thank you, Adam!

Thank you Adam, I scored an 8. However, I’m quite confused with the answer marked as right for question 9.

Hi Richard,

do the advantages outweigh…? This is asking you to choose and defend your choice, but first you need to discuss both pros and cons. This is what makes it a hybrid.

The first choiceIt’s not really a hybrid because you are not asked for an opinion on another solution. You are merely asked to provide possibilities. You don’t need to argue a case for them.

Thank you Mr Adam

Hi Mr Adam . Could you tell me whether there are a difference in meaning between (to love) or (loving). I know we can use both without any important difference in meaning. Is that correct?

Hi Muhammed,

Out of context, I’d have to say one is a verb (action), and the other is gerund noun (idea). Is this what you had in mind?

What I mean is :Is there any difference in meaning between infinite and gerund with (like), (love),(hate),(start),…? For example :I love to ear pizza I love eating pizza

well, then my explanation still applies. I love to eat = I love to do this action. I love eating = I love this activity. In terms of your listener, they will get the same idea essentially.

I like your way of explaining .. thanks

Thank you so much Adam, I admire with every your lessons, my great professor. Adam

Hey man, I would appreciate so much if you could make some videos about past perfect and past perfect continuous, or if you know some good video about that it would help me a lot. Thanks!!

Hi Rosaneli,

If you do a search on this site you’ll see there are a few already. You can also try this one: https://youtu.be/qavSH7RIGLg

Hello Adam. How are you? Next jokes…

1 British scientists proofed that fat women live longer … than men who mention them about that!

2 – Natasha is so stupid! – Why? – She married an idiot! – Why is he an idiot? – Do you think it’s a luck to marry a stupid woman?

3 A boy comes to the market and says: – Mrs yesterday you gave me the wrong change! She (sell person) says: – It was yesterday! You should be here yesterday! It’s too late now! A boy says: – Well, give me chocolate to this extra money you gave me then.

Not sure I get number 3. :)

I’ve never heard the word that means money which a sell person gives back to a purchaser in the shop after buying goods. So I wrote “change”. PS Sometimes sell persons are able to chit you (in our country). In this case she gave him more money than she should (of course she didn’t know that – she thought she gave him less). I hope you understand now Adam.

Now I do ;)

Hi my best teacher could you please tell me how can l reach 9 in IELTS

and tell me is it possible to do that?

Yes, 9 is possible, but you don’t need 9. 8 will get you everything you need (school, immigration, etc.).

Build vocab, read a lot, and practice every day.

Adam please consider doing a video about the different uses of the word “AS”

I’ll see what I can do Viictro

Thanks! very nice topic I got 8/10

Thanks Adam! I got 8/10

Hello Adam! Thank you very much for your lessons! Could you please tell are there any differences between Academic and General Writing Task 2 requirements? For instance, according to the majority of the books(for Academic module) it is said that in agree\disagree types test taker should give opinion in introduction (agree od disagree with the statement) and in body paragraphs give reasons to support it and make a concession. But in General, as far as I know, you should not make concession.

It’s not that you shouldn’t give a concession; it’s that you don’t need to because they expect less for the general test. If you can do it well, by all means go for it. The general test is mostly for immigration purposes, so they want to see you can go to the new country and communicate well enough.

Hi Adam! Yes, surely! Thanks a lot Adam!) Finally I recieved professional and full answer. One more question, if you don’t mind – do you personally give lessons or any quidance\ feedback for the General module, especially for the Writing Tasks? I need to improve my score in Writing. Thank you in advance!

I will be starting a writing assessment service soon. You can check my website (writetotop.com) for details. I hope to have it up by next week.

I loved your posts! You are a great teacher. Thank you a lot for your lesson.

I got 6 out of 10. Anyways I will gradually improve on myself.

Hi,Adam! Thank you for doing such a wonderful job. You are the best.

Hi,Adam! Thank you for doing such a wonderful job.

thanks teacher for that quiz

Hi Adam. I am wondering if there’s a difference between the two sentences:

I thought it was him. OR I thought it would be him.

Is one form incorrect?

HI JimFawn,

Both are correct. the meanings are different. The first is a real situation in the past. The second is a hypothetical future. In both cases you just found out that it wasn’t /isn’t him.

Yes, it does. Thank you!

I have one doubt about the introduction part of the essay. You said in your video about paragraph , that we have to identify the topic and the question in specific that is asked . but i came across a question wherein i found myself short of information to start of for the introduction . The planning part of the essay was difficult for me . what do u suggest i do to get a better understanding about the topic so that i dont waste my time planning for the introduction in my essay .

The question will always make it clear what the general topic is and then you have to look for the specific question. As far as planning, you are not planning the intro, you are planning the essay as a whole.

See if this helps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMdslt0bFdk

than you adam as you well done.

Nice one …all the way from Nigeria…

thanks teacher, I will try again

Thanks everyone :)

Many thanks to you, i got 08/10

Hi Adam, thank you for your great introduction of essay writting, I have a question; If a TOEFL taker writes an essay of say 222 words, which is still complete with introduction two body paragraphs and conclusion, rich of academic vocabulary, how many scores can he get?

Hi Armenuhi,

If all else is very good, you might still get 17 or 18, but not higher because technically you ddn’t complete the task.

Its very helpful.

Hi Adam i am watching your vidoes about how to write an essay.If it is possible to you to check my essay’s,and inform me where i should work more,so it will be helpfull to me.If you give me your email i will send it on your email

hello, i wanted to ask if there’s an informal writing mistakes that someone can do during the writing test, and if i can use lists (ordered or unordered) and if i can write abbreviations such as (ETC…) also if i can use keyboard signs such as brackets.

Avoid slang, contractions (it’s should be it is), and abbreviations. Also, no lists, just paragraphs and sentences.

Hope this helps.

Hello Teacher, tell me, Is there any website which can we sign in to make a IELTS test and to get score? (for free). hehehehe

Thank You Adam!

hello Adam, I just start studying for the IELTS and I need someone to chick and correct my essays , could you please do that for me ? , and if it yes where could I send it?

I cannot see anything on the lesson.. Page cannot be displayed :(

Thank you Prof. Adam :) This is a great help!

Thanks a lot Adam, nevertheless i still have difficulties but it’s really an adorable lesson.

Hi Adam thanks for your vids, they’re really helping me.

Hello Adam, your explaination is explicit, and it is really a great help. Thanks a lot.

hello adam i need some information qabout ielts..

Hello Adam, I started my studies for the IELTS test today, and your video was the first that I watched. Thanks for the lesson. Could you give me a topic to write an essay using opinion, non-opinion and hybrid, please. Do you know who can correct or there is a site can correct when I write? Thanks,xoxo. Viviane Medeiros

Dear Sir, I need your help.I am new person as a student.I am so week in english. So help me. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks Adam for a good lesson!

Thanks Mate! Nice viu eh.

Hi Adam! Thank you so much for your lessons, its so helpful for a IELTS preperation! I saw that you are living in Toronto and i am thinking about canadian universities as my foreign education, but have nobody there to ask some questions :( If it is not a problem for you, can i write to you on e-mail please? It would help a lot! Thank you! Best wishes!

Thank you for this lesson.

I got 9 out of 10. However, I do not agree with the answer in Q9: – Which of the following is a hybrid? According to the quiz result, the answer is: – Do the advantages of doing this outweigh the disadvantages? As you state in your video, at 12:01 – discuss both+opinion, the correct answer should be: -Discuss the pros and cons of doing this and suggest another solution.

Looking forward to your reply. All the best, gracioza

Hi teacher! I want to reach 8.0 IELTS. Could you give me some advices to reach this goal? Thank you so much.

thanks adam I got 8/10

Hi Adam, Not sure you’ll see this since the original video was posted a few months back. However, I’m wondering why you self-corrected and said we shouldn’t use “I believe” in the concluding paragraph of a hybrid-type question. Since it would be asking for our opinion too, why isn’t this a correct turn of phrase?

Thanks, your vids are very instructive!

Great lesson as usual! Thank you, Adam!

By the way, is there anyone here interested in practising English on Skype? If so, let me know, please.

Hi Adam can I send you my essay and provide me with your feedback? but tonight because my exam is after tomorrow

still got bad score for quiz :( . must practice more. anyway thanks for video teacher, it must be useful on ielts test. :)

Hi, Edaurdo, I am interested practicing English in skpe. My skype id alim.dewan…….

so please contact with me.

I have hard time writing, but your video helps me a lot understanding the useful ways.

Hi Adam Great work Got seven, i m trying to come up of the habit of writing too short a sentences, or too long, that i find it difficult to conclude them. can you please suggest a solution ?

Thanks & Best Regards

huuhuuu :( 5/10

Thank you Adam for your efforts to make the lessons more easier for us, you are my favorite teacher on engvid. Could you please tell me what is the hardest option in IELTS: the Academic or General Training, I am planning for immigration and I didn’t decide yet which category I will take, either the International student or the Skilled immigrants (if I get a job offer).

Its relly good one and i apprciate the way you xplained.. Many thanks for same. May God Bless you!

it is a bit difficult for me to tell the difference between the two main types. I think they are, to some extend, the same. Because whether you should give your opinion or not, you need to give your reasons. So above this, could I consider that what makes them apart is only you should provide your own idea. Look forward to your answer.

Dear Adam, I really do appreciate your effort to teach us the techniques. I really do love your lessons and voraciously listen to them, take notes and participate in your exams. (I got a 6 out of 10 in this exam. LoL)

Thank you adam. I am preparing myself for IELTS so I need your complete guidelines from scratch to end for writing module. I am pursuing for GT

Got 8 out of 10. Thank you for all the lessons that you have shared, it really help a lot. I still need to practice writing an essay, I kept writing but I am not sure if is it correct or not, do you have any idea for how to assess an essay? Or is there any online entity that can do that? Thank you.

Hello I thank you very much teach I got 6/10 but i think in coming time I will get much marks.

hello adam i wish to accept my best wishes and have wonderful time of your life my question is about the selection of toefl and ielts which one will be the best one for those who are slow reader and have the spelling problem in writing section. and what is the solution to avoid this problem thank you so much

Hello That was a wonderful lecture i learnt something new abt essay. I got 70 in the quiz and i know i can do better. Thank you adam

Can u briefly explain thesis statement ?

thank you Adam the lesson was helpful but could you make an video to explain avoid spelling mistake mean which strategy we are going to use for the rational of such a problems. because most of time i make the same problems. thank you well

Thank you, Sir Adam

Thanks Adam, it was informative.

Sir Thank you for this lesson, Got 10/10.

It is an essential information, anyway!Thanks!

i have a little bit confuse in this sentence i mentioned below students who are forced to wear uniforms dont have to make decision every morning although some people say that making decision is good for a child’s development exactly what does mean that sir ? you you replied me it would be great help to me sir

40/100 my worst score ever , i’ve to work hard .

Hello Adam. i am pinky from india, i have been following your videos on YouTube. i have a question in writing if I happen to strike off the word or a sentence is it fine or will i be marked down on it. Also i have a doctors handwriting which im working on. And im trying hard on getting a good score in reading but unable get anything more than 5.5. My test is on the 10th of Nov. Pleae advise. Thanks

Hi Adam, I got only 6/10 on this quiz.I am not happy with these questions. I think I need to understand more and practice more in this lesson. I know in IELTS Writing is the most difficult category.Anyway I would like to say to you and all members and teachers in EngVid ‘Thank You so much’.

Dear Adam, Thanks for such informative lecture. I attempted the quiz I got 8 out of 10. For quiz no 9, you are saying that option 2 is correct option but in your lecture video you are specifically saying that “Do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks?” is specifically an opinion question. It’s very confusing conceptually, please provide further guidance.

Hi everyone i’m gonna take the ielts exam in the next month who can help me? what should i do? i take two reading sample and i answered 34 and 32 in each one? is it good? i need to immigrate to Canada and i need ielts

if it’s possible plz contact me on tweeter @rrobatjazi

thanks for the lesson, i got 90

Hi Adam, I got 8 out of 10 and as many others I can’t understand why is “Do the advantages of doing this outweigh the disadvantages?” a hybrid type of question, because in your video you say that it is an opinion question? And my other question is: you said that: “do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages” is an opinion question, but “What are the adv and the disadv” is a non-opinion question. Do the words “do” and “what” decide if we shoud give our opinion? Thanks in advance. Engvid is the best videochannel to learn English, and you are one of my favourite teachers.

Adam the best :)

Shall we use phrasal verbs in ielts writing?

Thank you, Adam. I really loved your videos. I watched all your videos. Thanks once again for the great videos.

Hi Adam!I’m from Philippines. Thanks for your discussion. I just want to clarify. In discuss both views and give opinions. We are taught in the review center that BP1 should be the side1 (disagree) and BP2 side2 (you agree with) then give final opinion in the conclusion. What do you think about this format? Thanks a lot!

Hi Adam! thank’s for halping me. I’ve got 8 corrects out of 10.

Thank forthirst tutorial, I got 7/10.

Thank you teacher….ADAM

Thank you Mr, Adam, your delivery is very simple and clear.

Thank you Adam, I really like the way you present your lecture.

Hi Adam, your lectures are really useful. Thank you for that. I have been practicing my essay writing but I am not sure how helpful that is unless someone with the proper knowledge assesses my writing. Is there any way of doing that? Or what do u suggest i do. My writing seems pretty decent to me !

Thanks for your amazing video. Is this an opinion or a non-opinion or a hybrid type: “what do you think of the positive and negative in the development of Children?”‘, should I discuss both positive and negative, then give my own opinion? Thank you for your time.

Thanks Adam!

Hello, Adam :) I’ve written you under one of your videos already once) But still I’d really like to hear what you think, so maybe here you’ll see some day my question, I hope) Can a student with a pre-intermediate level of English receive 5 score in each section in IELTS exam? We are studying currently with a pre-intermediate level book and doing some preparations for the exam itself. It just makes me worried that we need to study some more advanced materials(but to be honest for this student it’s too early to do it, we’ve just started a pre-intermediate course and he struggles a lot already)

In my personal view, this is the best website to teach and learn related you always make it eassy and

the lesson brought alittle abit smile to my face!

7/10! Thank you for the class!

Hello Adam, I got 7/10. Thank you for the IELTS lessons. It’s very good for me to improve my English better.

Hi Mr. Adam, thanks a lot for your efforts , the way you explain thing is getting right straight to my mind. I got 7 ??????

Hello Adam for this lesson

thank you Teacher! I really like your lessons.

can we get some hint, for ielts exam like what type of question are asked by speakers and blah blah blah, i mean a hint that makes us more confident for passing out ielts exam.

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Different IELTS Essay Types

Different ielts essay types with examples and explanation:.

In your IELTS Writing exam, you will need to write an essay on a given topic. You will get a statement on a common topic, and be asked to respond to that statement (also known as the essay topic) . This IELTS writing task 2 response is required both for the academic and general training IELTS candidates.

Your essay should contain at least 250 words, and you should finish your essay in 40 minutes.

Now, the first thing you should probably know is the types of questions (or essay types) that you are likely to encounter in your exam (IELTS Writing Task 2 exam – to be more specific) . This is because both the structure of the essay and how you develop your response depend on the type of essay that you will write.

IELTS essays have 5 main different types. An IELTS essay in your exam could be one of these 5 different types, and to get a higher band score, you should be ready to respond to any type of them as you do not know what type of essay you will be asked to write during the test. The approach and structure of writing an IELTS essay also may vary to a certain extent based on the essay type. That is to say that the “introduction” of your essay, the “main body paragraphs” and the “conclusion” of your essay could be different based on the essay type you respond to. You might also need to include your opinion in your essay depending on the essay type. So, it is really, really important that you know the five distinct IELTS essay types and the main differences among them. It will help you develop a high-quality essay that will earn you a higher band score.

The 5 types of IELTS writing task 2 (IELTS Essay) questions include the below:

1. Opinion (Agree or Disagree) IELTS Essays. 2. Advantage and Disadvantage IELTS Essays. 3. Discussion (Discuss both views) IELTS Essays. 4. Problem/Cause and Solution/Effect IELTS Essays. 5. Double Question or Mixed IELTS Essays.

Let us discuss the 5 main types of IELTS writing task 2 questions (Essay Question types) in detail:

1) IELTS Opinion (Agree or Disagree) Essays:

A common question type on the Writing Task 2 is the “opinion” essay (also known as “Agree/Disagree essay or argumentative essay). An opinion essay basically asks you to give your own opinion on a given argument. The first part of the question is a statement and you are then asked to state your opinion on the issue. You should also include a range of other viewpoints to demonstrate that you genuinely understand both sides of an argument. The instructions on an opinion essay, however, can be written in several ways. Examples include the below:

• Do you agree or disagree?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• How far do you agree with this statement?
• Do you agree?
• Which viewpoint do you agree with?
• What is your opinion?

Here is an example of each: 1. In the future, more people will go on holiday in their own country and not travel abroad on holiday? Do you agree or disagree? [ Read the Model Essay ] 2. The main purpose of public libraries is to provide books, and they shouldn’t waste their limited resources and space on providing expensive hi-tech media such as computer software, videos and DVDs. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? [ Read the Model Essay ] 3. Some people believe that salary is more important than job satisfaction for employees. How far do you agree with this statement? 4. Some people believe that teenagers are facing more problems in their life than they did in the past and this is because parents are spending more time at work than at home. Do you agree? [ Read the Model Essay ] 5. More and more qualified people are moving from poor to rich countries to fill vacancies in specialist areas like engineering, computing and medicine. Some people believe that by encouraging the movement of such people, rich countries are stealing from poor countries. Others feel that this is only part of the natural movement of workers around the world. Which viewpoint do you agree with? [ Read the Model Essay ] 6. Some people think that success is the best measure of intelligence, while others think that intelligence can be measured in other ways. What is your opinion?

Key strategies for an “opinion” IELTS Essay:

• Select your favourable side of the argument. That is to say, decide which side you favour and develop your argument accordingly. You could agree to a given statement or disagree. Sometimes you might want to state a neutral position.
• State your view in the “introduction” part of your essay. This is important, and be sure to always include your opinion at the end of the introduction. Never wait till the conclusion paragraph to state your position on a view or argument.
• Keep the same view throughout the essay.
• State reasons why you have this opinion. Examples make your argument stronger. In fact, without citing examples or adding experience at the end of your argument, you can not expect to get a higher band score.
• It doesn’t matter which position you take. So, choose the position you can develop the best argument for.

Tips to write an “opinion” type IELTS Essay: You should briefly mention your own opinion about the statement or argument at the end of the “introduction” of your essay so that the examiner does not have to wonder about your viewpoint while he or she reads your essay.

The phrases you should use when giving your opinion about something – ✔ “In my view”/ “in my opinion” is used when expressing your opinion about something: • The government, in my opinion, should be in charge of important research. • In my view, the government should take measures to curb traffic congestion.

✔ “… take the view that”/ “… be of the opinion” that is used to express a particular opinion in a formal way: • Most people take the view that tax on fuel price is the key to preventing air pollution. • Scientists are of the opinion that the government should allocate a substantial budget on space research.

✔ Even if you state what others think about something, make sure to include your opinion as well. For example: • Most people take the view that tax on fuel price is the key to preventing air pollution and I somewhat agree with them. • Scientists are of the opinion that the government should allocate a substantial budget to space research and I concur with this opinion to some extent.

✔ “Entirely agree”/ “wholeheartedly agree” is used to agree completely with someone or something: • The writer entirely agrees with the view that more tourists will choose to go on holiday in their own country due to the pandemic. • I agree wholeheartedly with the statement that states that we should spend more quality time with our children to keep them away from developing bad habits.

✔ “Agree up to a point” is used to partly agree with someone or something: • Although I agree with the statement up to a point, I find it hard to believe that the increase in price can reduce fuel consumption.

✔ “Concur” is used to agree with someone or something in a formal way: • The writer concurs with this view.

✔ “Totally”/ “strongly”/ “fundamentally” is used to agree or disagree with someone or something: • I strongly disagree with the views on migration. • I totally believe that the amount spent on space research is justified.

Tips: Agreeing and contrasting opinions: Use the main body paragraphs of your essay to expound your opinion and agree or disagree with the views of other people. Use linking words such as “also” , “similarly” , “likewise” , and “in addition” when discussing ideas connected to one point of view, and use “yet” , “on the other hand” , “although” and “however” to introduce contrasting point.

Useful vocabulary to express your opinion:

Simply stating an opinion: My opinion is that… In my opinion… I think… I feel that… I believe… Personally speaking… In my view… From my perspective… From my point of view… It seems to me that… To my mind… My view on the matter is that…

Strongly agreeing with an opinion/statement: I firmly believe that/ I strongly believe that/ I wholeheartedly believe that… I strongly agree with the idea that… I totally agree with the statement that says that…

Strongly disagreeing with an opinion/statement: I firmly disagree with the opinion that… I strongly deny that… I wholeheartedly oppose that… I completely disagree because… I strongly disagree with the notion…

Partially agreeing with an opinion: I suppose… I somewhat agree that… I agree with this statement to some extent I agree to a certain extent but I also think that…

IELTS Opinion Essay Structure:

• Paraphrase the question
• State your opinion
• Give brief reasons why you hold this view (optional).
• Topic sentence – give 1st reason for choosing this viewpoint
• Explanation- explain this view
• Example- cite an example
• Topic sentence- give 2nd reason for choosing this viewpoint
• Explanation- expound this view
• Example- provide an example
• Summarize your main points
• Reiterate your opinion, or suggest something that would be universally accepted.

2) IELTS Advantage and Disadvantage Essay:

Another common essay question type is the Advantage and Disadvantage type Essay. This type of essay asks you to evaluate an argument and point out the main advantages and disadvantages of something. Put simply, you will need to write the benefits and drawbacks of something in a balanced way to prove that you understand both sides. Try to put equal emphasis on both advantages and disadvantages while writing such as essay.

Typical question instructions can be written in various ways. Examples include the below:

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of… 
• Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? 
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of…?
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion. (In this case, you need to include your opinion explicitly.) 

Below are the examples of each: 1. More and more businesses, as well as individuals, are choosing to communicate either professionally or socially using technology rather than being face to face. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the technology for communicating.   2. People now have the freedom to work and live anywhere in the world due to the development of communication technology and transportation. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?  3. In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message? 4. Computers are becoming an essential part of education. Discuss the Advantages and disadvantages of using computer technology in education and give your opinion.  

Key strategies for an “Advantage and Disadvantage” IELTS Essay:

• Devote some time to properly plan the advantages and disadvantages of the statement given.
• Think up the ideas of supporting points. Pick just a couple of advantages (2 is recommended; it could be 3 at most) and support them with an example and explanation. The same goes for the disadvantages as well. Do not write down so many ideas that make your essay lengthier and unmanageable. 
• You can state the advantages in one paragraph and the disadvantages in another paragraph.
• Follow a standard advantage and disadvantage essay structure.

Tips on writing an “advantage and disadvantage” IELTS essay:

“Advantage” is a countable noun meaning a good feature that something has, which makes it more useful or better than other things. Some synonyms of “advantage” are –

“Disadvantage” is a countable noun denoting a bad feature that something has, which make it less useful or worse than other things: Some synonyms of “disadvantage” are –

Knowing these synonyms would help you paraphrase the topic and show your skills in using a wide range of vocabulary.

Now regarding the structure of the essay, the safe way of organizing an advantage and disadvantage essay is to write one paragraph giving the benefits of an argument (or something) and another paragraph giving the drawbacks.

The phrases you should use when describing the “advantages” of something – ✔ “The most decisive/distinct/definite/obvious advantage of…” is used when describing an obvious advantage: • The most decisive advantage of telecommuting is that employees are allowed to work from home.  • The most definite benefit of using technology in education is the connectivity it allows among teachers, students and guardians.

✔ “One of the great/big/major/huge/significant advantages of…” is used when writing a great advantage: • One of the significant advantages of telecommuting is that it helps to have a better work-life balance. • One of the major advantages of such an arrangement is that it reduces long-term costs and manual labour hours.

✔ “A good/ great thing about …” is used when mentioning a good feature of something: • A great thing about telecommuting is that employees can skip commuting and dive right into work-related tasks.  • A good thing about helping those poor nations is that it helps maintain global peace.

✔ Similarly, “A positive aspect of…” is also used when mentioning a good feature of something: • A positive aspect of telecommuting is that it increases the productivity of employees. • A positive aspect of giving some pocket money to young children each week is that it teaches them the useful skills of money management.

✔ “Likewise/ Moreover” could be used to point out/introduce another good feature of something: • Likewise, it can be a source of foreign remittance that can boost the economy of the country. • Moreover, a business owner enjoys more freedom and more choices in life than most 9:00 to 5:00 employees.

The useful phrases you can use when describing the “disadvantages” of something:

✔ “The main/principal/primary/key disadvantage of…” is used when mentioning a primary disadvantage: • The main disadvantage of telecommuting is the lack of face-to-face communication. • The primary disadvantage of young people taking a break from studies to travel is that many of them do not use the time to learn and thus waste valuable time.

✔ “The big/serious/huge/distinct/obvious/major/severe/considerable disadvantage” of is used when writing an important disadvantage: • One of the serious disadvantages of telecommuting is the lack of collaboration between work teams.  • One of the distinct disadvantages of allowing children to study on a digital device is that they get easily distracted and start doing something else other than studying.

✔ “Drawback” could be used when you think that something is not good, though it has minor other positive aspects: • A drawback of telecommuting is that employees often are not present in the office and work from home. • The next drawback of travelling solo is that the traveller does not have anybody to look after or comfort him in the event of sickness or emotional distress.

✔ “Downside” is used to denote the disadvantage of a situation: • The lack of camaraderie is often one of the major downsides to telecommuting.  • The downside of mass migration to cities is the primary reason for traffic congestion in such cities.

Tips: Order your ideas in an organised way.

You have to present your ideas in a logical way to end up writing a great essay. To do that, you can use linking words such as “in addition” , “on the other hand” , “another” , “moreover” , “furthermore” and so on. Linking words are useful to show how your ideas are connected. Here is an example of the use of linking words:

Convenience foods have several bad points. The major drawback of this food is that it uses unhealthy ingredients. Moreover , most of these convenience foods lack proper nutrients. Furthermore , the regular intake of these foods promotes ageing. Thus, the advantages it reaps outweigh its disadvantages.

IELTS “Advantage and Disadvantage “ Essay Structure:

• Introduce the benefits and drawbacks that will be expounded in the main body paragraphs
• State your opinion if it is asked or necessary
• Topic sentence – introduce the advantage 
• Expand the first advantage + give an example
• Expand the second advantage + give an example
• Topic sentence – introduce the disadvantage 
• Expand the first disadvantage + give an example
• Expand the second disadvantage + give an example
• Reiterate the main points 
• State your opinion (optional)

3) IELTS Discussion (Discuss both views) Essay:

Some IELTS Writing Task 2 questions may ask you to analyse, discuss or scrutinise a topic, or compare or contrast two different ideas. Typically, you will be offered two statements of opinion that oppose one another and then you will be asked to expound on both sides of the debate and state your opinion.

A discussion essay should aim to reach a conclusion after analysing the debates on a topic. So, a discussion essay objectively discusses the perspectives of the opinion that are not necessarily your opinion. That is why your opinion shouldn’t be shared in such a discussion essay until the statement of the position in the concluding paragraph.

Typical question instructions can be written in several ways. Examples include the below:

• Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Discuss both these views and then give your own opinion.
• Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion. 

Here are a few examples of IELTS discussion questions: 1. Some people think that the range of technology currently available is increasing the gap between rich people and poor people. Others think that it is causing the opposite effect. Discuss both views and give your opinion.   2. In some countries, a few people earn extremely high salaries. Some people think that this is good for a country, while others believe that the government should control salaries and limit the amount people can earn. Discuss both these views and then give your own opinion. 3. Some people think that the government is responsible for the rise in obesity in children, while others think it is the fault of the parents. Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion.  

Key strategies for a “Discussion (Discuss both views)” IELTS Essay:

• Identify both views. They are usually contrasting ideas.
• Find supporting points for views.
• Develop both views of the argument. 
• It is recommended that you write about the side you don’t agree with first.
• Use necessary expressions for the discussion type essay.
• Emphasise a bit more on the viewpoint you support. 

Tips: Language to use while writing a discussion essay : It is important to learn some useful expressions for the IELTS discussion type essays. That is to say that a variety of language should be used to discuss both views in your essay. When you write a discussion essay that asks you to discuss both views of a statement or contrasting view, you have to support two different views that are not your opinions. You need to write what other people think, other people’s views and you also need to support what they think. So, your ability to use different expressions and vocabulary for giving other people’s opinions is required to get a higher band score.

The phrases you can use when discussing both sides in your essay:

✔ “Many people believe/think/feel/claim/argue that…” could be used to start discussing a view in your essay. It is a very common expression, but still, it is an academic expression, and you can use it sometimes. • Many people believe that modern technology has increased our daily productivity in workplaces. • Many people argue that the government should take responsibility for those elder people as they were taxpayers their entire life.

✔ “It is argued by some/many people that…” is a very nice expression because it is a passive form. This is particularly useful to give the examiner some passive sentences in your essay. But do not overuse the passive sentences in your essay. • It is argued by some people that the government should give money to creative people, such as artists and musicians. • It is argued by many that children should leave their parent’s home as soon as they turn 16 years old.

✔ “A commonly held belief is that…” is a very useful phrase because it’s very academic. It will help you show your skill in using various expressions and vocabulary while writing an essay. • A commonly held belief is that a government has a responsibility to its citizen to ensure their safety. • A commonly held belief is that decentralisation could solve the problem to a great extent.

✔ “They maintain that…” is very simple but it’s academic and clear as well. • They maintain that the sports should receive subsidies or sponsorship from big companies. • They maintain that elder people need support from their immediate family members and should be surrounded by their children and grandchildren.

✔ “Yet others argue that…” is used to present a counterargument. • Many believe that arts projects like exhibitions of paintings should be helped financially by big companies, yet others argue that big companies ought to sponsor scientific research.  • Some people claim that they should be given full freedom to choose a design and structure while building their houses, yet others argue that it makes more sense when the authority decide the design and structure of citizens’ house.

✔ “Other people are of the opinion that…” is used to express the other side of the argument. • Other people are of the opinion that the government should allocate more money to education.  • Other people are of the opinion that public health should get the highest priority while deciding the national budget.

✔ “Yet other people put forward the view that…” is also used to express the opposite opinion of a statement/topic. • Yet other people put forward the view that the government should increase spending on social benefits. • Yet other people put forward the view that schools should choose subjects for high-school learners only after discussing it with the parents and the students.

IELTS “Discussion (Discuss both views) “ Essay Structure:

• Introduce both points of views
• Thesis statement
• Topic sentence – state the viewpoint you do not agree with 
• Explanation- discuss why some people hold this view
• Example – provide an example to support the view 
• Topic sentence – state the viewpoint you do agree with 
• Explanation – discuss why this view is held by many 
• Example- provide an example to support the view
• Summarise the main points
• Opine which one is better or significant – (Usually the one you support)

4) IELTS Problem/Cause and Solution/Effect Essays:

In this type of IELTS essay question, you are asked to outline the problems (or reasons behind the problem) associated with the given topic and then you require to find one or more solutions to the problem. Alternatively, sometimes you need to list out the causes and effects of a particular subject/issue.

If you are asked to give the reason and solution of an issue, you should focus on explaining why this issue is created and what could be a possible solution to that. Please note the question carefully. If it asks you to give reasons (plural of reason) , you should outline more than one reason. If it asks you to give solutions (note the plural form of “solution” here) , you must include more than one solution.

Similarly, this kind of essay topic may demand you to write about the causes and effects of something. If the question is what are the causes (note the plural form here) and effects (it is also plural) , mentioning just one cause and effect is not enough.

Typical question instructions can come in various ways. Examples include the below:

• What are the reasons for this? What could be done to solve this problem?
• What are the causes of this? Suggest some solutions.
• What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest to deal with this situation?
• What is the cause of this? What are the possible effects of this development?

Here are a few examples of IELTS Problem/Cause and Solution type questions: 1. Many students find it difficult to pay attention at school. What are the reasons for this? What could be done to solve this problem? [ Read the Model Essay ] 2. Nowadays many people complain that they have difficulty getting enough sleep. What problems can lack of sleep cause? What can be done about lack of sleep? [ Read the Model Essay ] 3. An increasing number of professionals, such as doctors, engineers and teachers, are leaving their own poorer countries to work in developed countries. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest to deal with this situation? [ Read the Model Essay ] 4. People today suffer from more stress-related problems than in the past. What is the cause of this? What are the possible effects of this development?

Key strategies for a “Problem/Cause and Solution/Effect” IELTS Essay:

• Don’t introduce lots of problems/causes and solutions/effects in your essay. Just one (two or three if the question asks for reasons and solutions/effects instead of reason and solution/effect) is good enough.
• When dealing with more than one reason or solution (or cause and effects) mention your ideas sequentially.
• You can mention a problem/cause/reason and then propose a solution/effect immediately after that. Alternatively, you can list down the problems/causes/reasons in one paragraph and then the solutions/effects in the next paragraph.
• The solutions must be linked to the selected problems/causes.
• Try to give a convincing solution to a problem and mention if there is any data, study or case to support your solution.

Tips: Language to use while writing a Problem/Cause and Solution/Effect essay : You should use some useful and related phrases and vocabulary while writing this type of IELTS writing task 2 answer. If you get such an essay question in your IELTS Writing Task 2 exam, you need to discuss the problems or causes of a problem and suggest solutions or effects based on what the question demands and some vocabulary and phrases would definitely help you write a great essay.

The phrases you can use when writing about Problem/Cause and Solution/Effect in your essay:

✔ “Problem” is a noun denoting a situation that has to be dealt with because it causes inconvenience or harm. Some synonyms of “problems” are –

Some examples to present a problem: • Many developing nations are facing enormous economic and social problems after the pandemic. • Working mothers in today’s society are plagued with many social problems . • Drug abuse is a severe problem in many countries. • The government needs to do more to help curb the problem (=deal with the problem) of traffic congestion. • Problems can arise (problem can happen) when highly skilled workers end up seeking a better life in rich countries. • The government should address the problem (find ways of solving the problem) of air pollution.

✔ “Cause” is a noun denoting a person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition. Some synonyms of “cause” are –

Note: “Cause” can also be a verb denoting the creation or generation of something.

Some examples to present a cause/reason with some useful phrases and words: • The root cause of poverty lies (=the origin of a problem is) in the unequal distribution of resources. • The issues caused by sleep deprivation go beyond just tiredness and often lower the body’s resistance to different common diseases. • Financial stress is perhaps the most common cause of this phenomenon .

✔ “Issue” is a noun referring to a subject that is important and needs to be explained; or a problem that requires to be dealt with. It is used particularly about problems that affect a lot of people in society. Some synonyms of “Issue” are –

Some examples to present an issue: • Global warming is the biggest issue (=the most important issue) facing the world today. • The issue can only be resolved (=be successfully dealt with) through dialogue. • Many poorer nations fail to address (=try to deal with) social issues like unemployment and violence against women. • Unemployment is an important issue when dealing with poverty. • Single-sex education is a highly controversial issue in many countries.

✔ “Solution” is a noun that denotes finding the remedy or cure of a problem. Some synonyms of “Solution” are –

Some examples to present a solution: • The government is trying to find a solution to the traffic congestion in major cities. • When a society faces challenges relating to poverty, the ideal solution is education. • There is no easy solution to global warming (=there is no easy way of dealing with global warming) . • In this essay, the writer will discuss the root causes of global warming, and try to put forward (=suggest) some effective long-term solutions . • Single-sex education is a highly controversial issue in many countries.

✔ “Answer” is a countable noun that means a successful way of dealing with a problem. Some synonyms of “Answer” are –

Some examples to propose/suggest an answer to an issue or a problem: • Many people think that the only answer to the problem of global warming is to use green energy. • Many countries have been struggling with brain drain for a long time, but no one has yet come up with an easy answer (=thought of an answer or find a solution) .

IELTS “Problem/Cause and Solution/Effect “ Essay Structure:

• Introduce problems/causes and related solutions/effects in brief
• Topic sentence – state the problem/cause 
• Explanation – explain the first problem/cause in detail
• Explanation- explain the second problem/cause in detail
• Example – give a relevant example
• Topic sentence – state an effective solution/(effect)
• Explanation – explain the first solution/(effect)
• Explanation – explain the second solution/(effect)
• Example – provide an example to support the solution/(effect)
• Summary of key points in first and second main body paragraphs
• State your opinion if necessary (optional if your opinion is not asked in the question, but should be included if the essay asks for your opinion) .

5) IELTS Double Question or Mixed Essays:

This type of IELTS Essay topic is also called two questions, direct questions, mixed questions IELTS essays. Typically, it comes with a statement or topic and then it asks you two different questions. It could ask for your opinion, then a solution, a critical analysis, a discussion and so on, and that is why it is also called the mixed IELTS Essay.

Below are a few examples of such essay topics:

1. Many stores sell organic fruits and vegetables (produced without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides) even though they often cost more than conventional fruits and vegetables. Why do some people prefer to eat organic food? Do you think organic food is worth the extra cost? [ Read the Model Essay ] 2. Many people prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced films. Why could this be? Should governments give more financial support to local film industries? 3. News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported? [ Read the Model Essay ] 4. Happiness is considered very important in life. Why is it difficult to define? What factors are important in achieving happiness? [ Read the Model Essay ]

Key strategies for a “Double Question or Mixed” IELTS Essay:

• You have to answer both questions fully.
• Each question should have one or two key points as an answer.
• Provide the answer to each question in an individual paragraph.
• Do not introduce too many ideas in a single paragraph.
• Give examples.

Tips: Language to use while writing a Double Question or Mixed Essay : While writing this type of essay, you often need to give reasons why something happens and also give your opinion or propose a solution.

Below are some useful expressions to give reasons:

✔ “Reason” could be a countable and uncountable noun that denotes a cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event. Some synonyms of “reason” are –

✔ “The reason (for this) is that…” is used to state the reason for something, particularly when the explanation is long. • The reason for preferring organic food is that it is beneficial to health. • The reason for taking a gap year after completing high school is that it gives young students an excellent opportunity to travel and gather first-hand experience.

✔ “In order to…” is used to mention why someone does something or why something happens. • People prefer organic food in order to keep their bodies healthy. • The world leaders gather in such events in order to come with effective solutions to pressing global problems.

✔ “Why” is a conjunction used to write about the reason that brings about something. • There are many reasons why people prefer organic food. • The primary reason why such research works are often misleading is that they do not consider anomalies or exceptions.

IELTS “Double Question or Mixed Essays “ Structure:

• State your overall opinion by answering both (sometimes even three) questions in brief. 
• Topic sentence
• State your answer to the first question
• Explanation – explain the answer to the first question
• Example – give example to support your point 
• State your answer to the second question
• Explanation – explain the answer to the second question
• Summary of key points
• Rephrase your opinion (if necessary)

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Recent IELTS Essay Topics, and Latest Questions 2022

Updated On Jun 26, 2023

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• 1.1.1 Sample Question
• 1.1.2 Sample Answer
• 1.2.1 Sample Question
• 1.2.2 Sample Answer
• 1.3.1 Sample Question
• 1.3.2 Sample Answer
• 1.4.1 Sample Question
• 1.4.2 Sample Answer
• 1.5.1 Sample Question
• 1.5.2 Sample Answer
• 2.1 Discussions (Discursive Essay – Discuss both views) writing task 2 topics
• 2.2 Opinion (Argumentative Essay – Agree or Disagree) writing task 2 topics
• 2.3 Advantages & Disadvantages writing task 2 topics
• 2.4 Problems/Causes & Solutions writing task 2 topics
• 2.5 Two-part Questions writing task 2 topics

The IELTS Writing tests consist of task 1 and task 2, you’ll be given an hour to complete it. For task 1, you’ll be required to write a minimum of 150 words while for task 2 a minimum of 250 words.

Since Task 2 has a higher score weightage compared to Task 1, it’ll be best not to spend more than 20 minutes on the latter so that you can have enough time in hand to complete Task 2. The marking for the writing tests will be done on factors including vocabulary, grammar, number of words used, and so on. 

For writing task 2, the examiner will give you a topic for which you’ll have to write an essay about, of at least 250 words . So to help you prepare for this, below are the types of essays along with some of the IELTS writing task 2 essay topics you could use to practise on.

IELTS Essay Topics Based on Essay Types

There are different types of essays that could be given to you. IELTS essay writing ideas, and possible IELTS essay topics with sample answers for each type are mentioned below. 

1. Opinion Essay

An opinion essay is an essay in which you have to explain the topic based on the opinion that you have regarding that topic. They are also called Agree/disagree essays or argumentative essays. Here are links of some latest opinion essay topics with answers.

• Environmental Protection
• Travel and tourism
• Transportation
• TV or Radio
• Communication technology
• Living in Campus
• Illness and Disease
• Mobile phone
• Architecture and History
• Economic Development
• Food and Transport
• Television and Children

Sample Question

Most societies have homeless people. Some people think that the best way to help them is to give them money. To what extent do you agree?

Opinion Essay

Introduction

• Paraphrase the topic of the essay and mention the view.

Body Paragraphs

• The extent of problems faced by homeless people cannot be solved only by providing financial assistance.
• Due to the unstable situation of homeless people, they might end up misusing the cash meant for their benefit or they might end up losing it.
• Summarize the essay and state the final view on the topic

Sample Answer

The 21st century is marked by the technological, social, and economic advancement of human civilization. However, around most countries, especially third-world nations, the problem of vagrants is still a concerning issue. There are many suggestions when it comes to the upliftment of the homeless, and one of the most popular of these is financial assistance. Although monetary aid can help the destitute in several ways, it does not improve their condition substantially. In the following paragraphs, I will explore the topic in-depth and justify my views on the same.

The predicament faced by the homeless is much more complex than meets the eye. Most of the people who cannot afford the basic necessities of life are facing such hardships due to generational poverty or lack of proper education and thereby limited employment prospects. Thus, mere financial assistance in the form of cash is insufficient in ameliorating the situation of the underprivileged and unsettled.

Furthermore, due to the transient nature of vagrants, the safety of a lumpsum amount is questionable in the hands of such people. There have been many instances where individuals have faced threats and mishaps due to the possession of valuables. Also, in many cases, homeless people end up spending assistance money on harmful and illegal items. Therefore, providing such people with monetary assistance can often put their lives in danger.

Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that even the slightest degree of assistance can significantly ease the difficulties of the needful. That being said, it is important to find a long-term solution rather than providing short-term support.

In conclusion, the plight of the homeless has been a complication for ages. Thus, to overcome this problem, more sophisticated measures should be taken than giving monetary aid.

2. Discussion Essay

In a discussion essay, you’ll have to discuss for and against the given topic. Here are links of some latest discussion essay topics with answers.

• Ageing population
• Dangerous Sports
• International Car-free days
• Education and Career
• People and community
• Economic growth

Online education is becoming more and more popular. Some people claim that e-learning has so many benefits that it will replace face-to-face education soon. Others say that traditional education is irreplaceable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Discussion Essay

• Elaborate on the topic and mention the contents of the following paragraphs.
• The benefits of online education and their impact on the future of education.
• The values of face to face learning and how it leads to better mental development.
• Summarize the essay and mention the final opinion on the topic.

Technological advancement is one of the highlights of the modern era. Today, online education has become so common that nearly all kinds of courses are available online. Preparation resources for every examination, along with video tutorials, are also provided via online platforms. It is believed by many that e-learning will replace the traditional ways of education. However, there is also a sizeable chunk of the population that believes conventional methods of teaching will always be superior. In this essay, I will elaborate on the topic from both perspectives and justify why I think online education will be the preferred method of learning in the future.

There is no doubt that learning through online platforms has become a common approach for countless students. The degree of comfort and convenience enjoyed by students while studying on their personal computers is unmatched. Additionally, with the availability of numerous tools and facilities online, students can now learn in a more sophisticated and substantial manner. Also, students can access their reference material at any point in time without any hindrance when online education is concerned.

Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that classroom learning has its own advantages. The level of retention is remarkably higher when an individual learns a concept or a subject directly from a teacher in a physical environment. Since students are able to see and hear the lectures by the professor, they are able to understand and analyse the material relatively better.

Finally, the better approach to learning is greatly influenced by personal choice. That being said, with the pace at which technology is progressing, it is safe to say that online learning will be the primary mode of education in the future.

IELTS Actual Test Questions (February-March 2023)

3. Advantage or Disadvantage Essay

For this type of essay, you have to write about the positive and negative aspects of the given topic. Here are links of some latest advantage/disadvantage essay topics with answers.

• Living in big cities
• Youth and Community
• Traffic and Accommodation
• Remote Environment

Memorization of information by frequent repetition (rote learning) plays a role in most education systems. Do the advantages of this method of learning outweigh its disadvantages?

Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

• Paraphrase the topic and state the view.
• Mention the contents of the following paragraphs.
• List the advantages of rote learning and how it is more convenient than other methods.
• Mention the disadvantages of rote learning and its negative effects.
• Summarize the topic and state the final opinion.

There have been many approaches to learning as education has evolved over the years. For the past few years, rote learning has become an inherent part of education systems and learning in general. Many students follow this method religiously for exam preparations as it is a very convenient method of learning. However, like any other approach or method, rote learning also has pros and cons. In the following paragraphs, I will elaborate on the advantages and disadvantages of memorization by repetition.

Firstly, rote memorization is one of the simplest ways of committing information to memory. This is a prime reason for this technique being so popular. Since this method allows students to learn a particular topic without understanding the meaning of the concepts, it enables them to prepare for examinations in a time-efficient manner as it takes significantly less time to cover the entire syllabus using this technique.

Au contraire, this method of memorization can have problematic consequences in the future if used far too often. If an individual learns an important topic or subject with the aid of rote learning, they might be unable to apply the knowledge from that subject in real life. As memorization by repetition indirectly obstructs mental development and growth of aptitude, people might find themselves in a plight when a situation arrives where conceptual knowledge is mandatory. Additionally, this method of learning tends to become habitual and thereby hard to change.

In conclusion, I would like to say that rote learning has become a very typical part of the present education system. Nevertheless, we must understand that such an approach does not facilitate proper learning.

4. Solution Essay

In solution essays, the topic will be a problem and you’ll have to give a solution to the particular issue. Sometimes the question may also be posed as to why this particular issue happened, and you’ll have to present your opinions based on the issue. Here are links to some latest cause/solution essay topics with answers.

• Environment
• People and Society
• Energy Resources
• Birth Rate developed in countries
• Child Obesity

The world is experiencing a dramatic increase in population. This is causing problems not only for the poor undeveloped countries but also for industrialised and developing nations. Describe some of the problems that overpopulation causes. and suggest at least one possible solution.

Cause/Solution Essay

• Paraphrase the topic using synonyms.
• Mention the contents of the subsequent paragraphs.
• List the major issues caused by overpopulation.
• Suggest possible solutions to overcome the mentioned problems.
• Summarize the essay and mention the solutions in brief.

The world population has reached tremendous heights over the last few decades, and today the current estimate on the number of inhabitants globally stands at 7.8 billion. The global population is rising at an alarming rate, and concurrently, this has led to numerous hardships to the entire human civilization. The adverse effects of overpopulation have not only been seen by third-world countries, but developed nations have also faced the issues caused by excessive population growth. In the following paragraphs, I will explore some pressing complications caused by excess population and possible solutions that can be implemented.

To begin with, one of the most consequential problems caused by overpopulation is the depletion of natural resources. Fossil fuels are on the verge of being completely exhausted with the rate at which they are being used by human beings. At the same time, water bodies are becoming contaminated, and the natural flora and fauna of the earth are also being destroyed for capitalist gains. Also, the overall surge in population puts an enormous strain on the government resources, availability of food and proper sheltering, etc.

In order to tackle the problem of overpopulation, people have to be educated on various aspects and topics that are typically stigmatized in various societies. Indeed, the growth in population cannot be curbed immediately. Thus, to ease the dependence of mankind on fossil fuels, alternative sources of energy must be discovered. If global superpowers and wealthy nations work in unison against the issue of excessive population growth, only then will this predicament be ameliorated.

Finally, the issues caused by overpopulation and excessive population growth cannot be improved straight away. However, we all must work towards improving this situation in order to create a better future for coming generations.

5. Direct Question Essay

For this type of essay, the topic will be a question for which you’ll have to answer based on your thoughts and experiences. Here are links of some latest direct question essay topics with answers.

• Art and Technology
• Freedom of Speech
• Gender discrimination
• Different medical tradition
• Natural Resources

Today more people are travelling than ever before. Why is this the case? What are the benefits of travelling for the traveller?

Direct Question Essay

• Paraphrase the topic.
• Reasons behind travelling becoming common and frequent among people.
• Benefits of travelling.
• Summarize the topic and mention your answers in brief.

Visiting a foreign nation for leisure or work has become a regular affair for a majority of people in this day and age. Today, not going for a vacation atleast once in a calendar year is considered outlandish and atypical. The global tourism industry has developed to quite an extent over the last few years. In this essay, I am going to explore the reasons behind this trend of travelling and mention what travellers gain from their journeys.

People in the present era travel for a variety of reasons. Some of the chief reasons for travelling are better educational services, lucrative employment opportunities and also higher standards of living. With the advancement of technology and accessibility of information by the internet, people can make their travel plans with accuracy with the help of reliable information from travel websites and blogs. Additionally, countries across the globe have recognized the importance of tourism as a contributor to the economy of a nation and therefore have relaxed the travel laws making international travel significantly straightforward.

Travelling can lead to a plethora of benefits both physically and mentally in the life of a human being. People are often engaged in full-time job roles where they dedicate most of their time and energy. Amidst such a tedious routine, travel can help people take a break from the monotony of work and recharge their energy. Travelling also presents an individual with better opportunities in terms of education, employment, and living standards which might not be available in their native country.

In conclusion, I would like to say that the rise in travel and tourism of people is a direct consequence of the development of human civilization. As we progress further into the future, such ventures are becoming more simple and convenient.

Other Bonus IELTS Essay Topics

Discussions (discursive essay – discuss both views) writing task 2 topics.

• Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people say that the government should not put money on building theatres and sports stadiums. Others argue that they should spend more money on medical care and education. Discuss both views and give your opinion
• Films and computer games containing violence are popular. Some people say they have negative impacts on sooety and should be banned, while others say they are just harmless relaxation. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that people moving to a new country should accept new culture in the foreign country. Others think that they should live as a separate minority group with different lifestyle. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Many people think that cheap air travel should be encouraged because it gives ordinary people freedom to travel further. However, others think this leads to environmental problems, so air travel should be more expensive in order to discourage people from having it. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people choose to eat no meat or fish. They believe that this is not only betterfor their own health but also benefits the world as a whole. Discuss this view and give your own opinion
• Some people say art (music, paintings, poetry etc.) can be created by any human being, while others believe that only people born with special abilities can create art. Discuss both views and give your own opinion
• Teachers used to convey information, but now with wide resources of information. Some people think that there is no role for teachers to play in modern education, others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion?
• Everyone should stay in school until the age of eighteen. Evaluate the arguments both and against this before reaching an opinion?
• Some people think that robots are very important for humans’ future development. Others, however, think that robots are a dangerous invention that could have negative effects on society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• The development of technology has causes environmental problems. So, some people think people should choose a simpler way of life, while others think we should use technology to solve these problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• The society would benefit from a ban on all forms of advertising because it serves no useful purpose, and can even be damaging. However, others argue that there are still some advantages of adverts. Discuss both views and give your opinion?
• Some people think that the news media nowadays have influenced people’s lives in negative ways. Others disagree and say that it is also positive. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Team activities can teach more skills for life than those activities which are played alone. Explain the benefits of each and give your own view?
• Some people say that healthcare and education should be the responsibility of the government but some people think that that it is the responsibility of the individuals themselves. Discuss both views and give your opinion?
• Some people think that cultural traditions may be destroyed when they are used as money-making attractions aimed at tourists. Others believe that is the only way to save these traditions. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

Opinion (Argumentative Essay – Agree or Disagree) writing task 2 topics

• Too much money has been spent on looking after and repairing old buildings. Therefore, we should knock down old buildings and build modern ones instead To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Researches show that overeating is as harmful as smoking. Therefore, the advertisements of food products should be banned in the same way as the cigarettes advertising is banned in many countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people say that subjects like arts, music, drama and creative writing are more beneficial to children and therefore they need more of these subjects to be included in the timetable. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think that the government should not spend money on building theatres and sports stadiums. Instead, it should spend more money on medical care and education. Do you agree or disagree?
• The best way to understand other culture is to work in a multinational organization. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• The advantage of English spreading as a global language will continue to outweigh the disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Is it better to be unemployed in jobs rather than to be employed in jobs even if they don’t feel happy or enjoy. Do you agree or disagree?
• Individual greed and selfishness have been the basis of the modern society. Some people think that we must return to the older and more traditional values of respect for the family and the local community in order to create a better world to live in. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Nowadays young people are spending their leisure period in shopping centers but not engaging themselves in other activities such as sport or music, which can affect themselves and society negatively. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Many students have to study subjects which they do not like. Some people think this is a complete waste of time. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• It is generally discussed among the public that extreme sports such as sky diving and rock-climbing should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Leisure is a growing industry, but people no longer entertain themselves as much as they used to because the use of modern technology has made them less creative. What is your opinion?
• Sending criminals to prison is not the best method of dealing with them. Education and job training are better ways to help them. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think that children’s success in adult life depends on the way their parents brought up them. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think the government should pay for health care and education, but other people claim that it is the individual’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion?
• Many employees may work at home with the modern technology. Some people claim that it can benefit only the workers, not the employers. Is it a positive or negative development?
• The detailed description about crime will affect the people and cause many social problems. Some people say that the media should be strictly controlled. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• It is more important for a building to serve a purpose than to look beautiful. Architects shouldn’t worry about producing building as a work of art. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some people claim that public museums and art galleries will not be needed because people can see historical objects and works of art by using a computer. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• An American film actor once said, “Tomorrow is important and precious”. Some people think individuals and society should pay more attention to the future than to the present. Do you agree or disagree?
• Rich countries should not employ skilled labor from poor countries, as poor countries need the workers more. Do you agree or disagree?
• Individuals should not be allowed to carry guns. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Money for postgraduate research is limited. Some people think that financial support from governments should be only provided for scientific research rather than research for less useful subjects.  Do you agree or disagree?
• Television has changed the quality of life for the ordinary person. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think typical teaching of a teacher and students in the class will not exist by the year 2050. Are you optimistic or pessimistic about this view?
• In several years many languages die out. Some say it is not important because if we speak fewer languages life would be easier. Do you agree or disagree?
• Wild animals have no place in the 21st century, and the protection is a waste of resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people believe that tourists should accept social and environmental responsibility while others believe that tourists should not accept any responsibility at all. What is your opinion?
• Some people argue that individuals can do nothing to improve the environment. Therefore, only governments and large companies can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• Today, majority of children are raised by their grandparents due to the fact that their parents are busy working. To what extent do you think that it affects the whole family?
• Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) are the main sources in many countries, but in some countries the use of alternative sources of energy (wind energy and solar energy) are encouraged. To what extent do you think it is a positive or negative development?
• The government is responsible for protecting a nation’s cultural identity. Thus, some people believe new buildings should be built in traditional styles. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• Some people argue that companies and private individuals, rather than governments, should pay for pollution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Children who grow up in families which are short of money are better prepared with the problems of adult life than children who are brought up by wealthy parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• The only way to improve the safety on our own road is to have stricter punishment for driving offenders. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• The main purpose of public libraries is to provide books and they shouldn’t waste their limited resources and space on providing expensive hi-tech media such as computer software, videos and DVDs. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Some people believe that air travel should be restricted because it causes serious pollution and uses up the world’s fuel resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• One long-distance flight consumes fuel which a car uses in several years’ time, but they cause the same amount of pollution. So some people think that we should discourage non-essential flights, such as tourist travel, rather than to limit the use of cars. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Housing shortage in big cities can cause severe social consequences. Some people think only government action can solve this problem. What is your opinion?
• The best way to solve the world’s environmental problem is to increase the price of fuel. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Earlier technological developments brought more benefits and changed the lives of ordinary people more than recent technological developments. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• The workplace nowadays is trying to employ the equal number of females and males. Do you think it is a positive or negative development? In modern society it is possible to go shopping, work and communicate via the internet without face-to-face contact with others. Is it positive or negative?
• In order to learn a language well, we should also learn about the country as well as the cultures and lifestyles of the people who speak this language. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• Multi-cultural societies, in which there is a mixture of different ethnic peoples, bring more benefits than drawbacks to a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• Some people think the main purpose of schools is to turn the children into good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• Throughout the history, male leaders always lead us to violence and conflict. If a society is governed by female leaders it will be more peaceful. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• When international media (including movies, fashion shows, advertisements and other TV programmes) convey the same messages to the global audience, people argue that the expansion of international media has negative impacts on cultural diversity. What is your opinion?
• Some people argue that the government should spend money on public services and facilities, but not on the arts. Do you agree or disagree?
• In some countries old age is highly valued, while in others youth is emphasized. Which viewpoint do you agree with?
• Do you agree or disagree with the statement that families are as close as they used to be?
• Tobacco is a kind of drug. People have been free to use it. Some people think that it should be illegal to use it comparing with other drugs. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What is your opinion?

Advantages & Disadvantages writing task 2 topics

• Do you agree that the advantages cars bring outweigh the disadvantages?
• Some people think that animals should be kept in men made cells. What are the disadvantages of keeping animal in zoos?
• People can live and work anywhere they want to choose because of improved communication technology and transport. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
• Food can be produced much more cheaply today because of improved fertilizers and better machinery. However, some of the methods used to do this may be dangerous to human health and may have negative effects on local communities. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
• The spread of English as a “global language” is an issue nowadays. To what extent do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• As global trade increases between different countries, many daily necessities are produced in other countries. Such goods are usually transported a long distance. Do the benefits of this trend outweigh its drawbacks?
• It is better for students at university to live far away from home than to live at home with their parents. What are the advantages and disadvantages, and give your own opinion?
• Many museums charge people for admission while others are free. Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museum outweigh the disadvantages?

Problems/Causes & Solutions writing task 2 topics

• The subjects and lesson contents are decided by the authorities such as the government. Some people argue that teachers should make the choice. What are the pros and cons of each method, give some solutions?
• The speeding up of life in many areas such as travel and communication has negative effects on society at all levels— individual, national and global. Evaluate the effects?
• In some countries, the rate of crimes committed by teenagers is increasing.  What are the reasons and what can be done to relieve the problem?
• The major cities in the world are growing fast, as well as their problems.  What are the problems that young people living in cities are faced with?  Give some solutions to these problems.
• In some countries, a high proportion of criminal acts are committed by teenagers. Why is it the case? What can be done to deal with this?

Two-part Questions writing task 2 topics

• Some people believe they should keep all the money they have earned and should not pay tax to the state. What is the purpose of taxes? Why do some people refuse to pay taxes and explain the effects on society?
• People find it very difficult to speak in public or to give a presentation before an audience. Do you think public speaking skill is really important? Give reasons.
• Many people are optimistic of the 21st century and see it as an opportunity to make positive changes to the world. To what extent do you share their optimism? What changes would you like to see in the new century?
• Many people say that we have developed into a “throw-away” culture because we are filling up our environment with so many plastic bags and rubbish that we cannot fully dispose of. To what extent do you agree with this opinion and what measures can you recommend reducing this problem?
• With the increase in the use of mobile phones and computers, fewer people are writing letters. Some people think that the traditional skill of writing letters will disappear completely. To what extent do you agree or disagree? How important do you think is letter-writing?
• In the past, buildings often reflected the culture of a society but today all modern buildings look alike and cities throughout the world are becoming more and more similar Why is it the case? Is it a good thing or bad thing?
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7 Different Types Of Essay In IELTS Writing Task 2

Types Of Essay In IELTS Writing Task 2 – Nowadays everyone wants to migrate abroad to an English speaking country whether it is for work or study. To migrate to an English speaking country people must submit their language proficiency score along with their application.

To prove their language proficiency they can choose any of the following exam;

In this blog, I will talk about the IELTS exam and answer the query, “types of essay in ielts writing task 2.”

But first you must know everything about the IELTS exam. Let’s start with what IELTS is and its format.

If you want to ace In IELTS exam at home, then you should learn these tips to prepare for IELTS at home .

What Is IELTS?

Table of Contents

IELTS is a language test that calculates students’ language proficiency in English in four different modules. That are;

The first three modules take place on the same day and speaking can take place before or after other three modules.

Here is the format of the IELTS exam that you must know before learning about the types of essay in ielts writing task 2.

Now let’s discuss different essay types in the IELTS exam.

Types Of Essay In IELTS Writing Task 2

As we mentioned in the format, there are a total of 7 essay types in the IELTS exam. Here you will get to know about the proper information about the different essay types of IELTS writing task 2 along with their examples.

Agree or disagree

Advantages and disadvantages, direct essay, cause/solution essay, positive/negative essay, discussion essay.

This is the first essay in our list of Types Of Essay In IELTS Writing Task 2. In this type of essay writing question, the examiner will give students a statement and ask them whether they agree or disagree with the given statement. 

This question has two types;

• In the first type the examiner will ask you to what extent you agree or disagree. In this you partially agree or disagree with the given statement.
• In the second type of question the examiner will directly ask you whether you agree or disagree with the given statement. Here you have to fully agree or disagree with the given statement.

NOTE: You can not partially agree with the statement unless the examiner asked you to.

Examples of agree or disagree question:

“Parents who send their children to private schools for education must not be asked to pay the taxes to support the educational system . To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

“Parents are the best teachers for students. Do you agree or disagree?”

In this type of questions students are asked to give their opinions about the given statement. 

For example:

“Some people believe that to calculate intelligence the best way is success while others say that it can be calculated by many other methods. Give your opinion after discussing both views.”

In this types of essay in IELTS writing task 2, students will be asked to give the advantages and disadvantages of the trend given in the statement. 

“Nowadays the Ebooks are taking the place of paper books, many individuals think that it is a good step while others think that it is not. What are the advantages (pros) and disadvantages (cons) of this trend?”

In this question type the examiner will ask you a direct question that students have to answer according to their knowledge.

“Many people agree with saying that money can’t buy happiness. Why do you think that it is hard to define happiness? What can people do to achieve happiness?”

In this type of IELTS writing task 2, the examiner will give you a problem and ask you about the causes and solutions for that problem.

“After their first punishment many criminals commit more crimes. Why is this happening and what efforts can be done to tackle this problem.”

In this types of essay in IELTS writing task 2 the examiner will give you a statement that will show a trend and ask you whether that is a positive trend or negative one.

More and more people prefer to socialize online instead of socializing face-to-face. What do you think, is it a positive or negative trend?”

This is the last type of IELTS essay that is also very common in the IELTS exam. In this type of IELTS writing task 2 essay the examiner will give you two points of views of people about a statement and ask you to discuss both views and can also ask you to give your opinion.

“Many people say that the environmental or nature related issues must be solved globally while others argue that it should be managed on a national level. Discuss both views.”

Examples Of IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions With Answers

These are the examples of IELTS Writing Task 2 question with answers:

Some people believe that children should spend more time on physical activities, while others feel that they should focus more on academic studies. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In many countries, the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. What problems does this create, and what solutions can you suggest?

Some people argue that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences, while others believe that there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The growth of online shopping has had a significant impact on local businesses. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

Tips For Writing An Effective IELTS Writing Task 2

Here are some tips and strategies for writing an effective IELTS Writing task 2 essay:

• Understand the Question: You should carefully read and analyze the question prompt to ensure you fully understand what is being asked. Identify key instructions, keywords, and the specific task you need to accomplish. 
• Plan Your Essay: Take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas, create an outline, and organize your thoughts before starting to write. This will help you maintain a clear structure and coherence throughout your essay.
• Stick to the recommended essay structure: Follow a clear and logical structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Ensure that your ideas flow smoothly and that there is a clear progression from one paragraph to the next. 
• Use Paragraphs effectively: Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea. Provide supporting evidence, examples, or explanations to develop your points. Aim for a balanced and well-structured essay. 
• Manage your Time Wisely: Allocate enough time for planning, writing, and reviewing your essay within the given time limit. Avoid spending too much time on one section and leave ample time for proofreading and making necessary revisions. 
• Use Formal Language and Vocabulary: Maintain a formal tone and use appropriate vocabulary for an academic essay. Avoid slang, colloquial expressions, and overly complex language. Show your range of vocabulary by incorporating a variety of words and phrases.
• Show a range of Grammatical Structures: Utilize a mix of sentence structures, including complex and compound sentences, to showcase your grammatical skills. Aim for accuracy and avoid repetitive sentence patterns. 
• Support Your Ideas With Evidence: Support your arguments and opinions with relevant examples, facts, statistics, or real-life situations. This shows your ability to provide credible support for your ideas.
• Address All Parts Of The Question: Ensure that you fully address all aspects of the question prompt in your essay. Failure to do so may result in a lower score. 
• Proofread and Edit Your Essay: Leave some time in the end to carefully review your essay. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure that your sentences are clear and concise. Make any necessary revisions to improve the overall quality of your writing. 
• Practice Writing regularly: Familiarize yourself with different essay topics and practice writing essays within the time limit. This will help you build confidence, improve your writing skills, and become more comfortable with the task requirements. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid In All Types Of Essay In IELTS Writing Task 2

Here are some common mistakes that you must avoid in IELTS writing task 2. You must also have knowledge about these mistakes along with knowing the types of essay in IELTS writing task 2.

• Grammatical Errors: One of the most common mistakes that most students make is grammatical errors, such as incorrect verb tense usage, subject-verb agreement issues, and punctuation errors. To avoid these mistakes, review basic grammar rules and practice using them accurately. You can also take feedback from a teacher or grammar-checking tools like Grammarly.
• Excessive Repetition: Students sometimes repeat the same ideas or phrases throughout their essays, which can decrease the overall quality of your essay. To avoid this, learn different vocabulary and sentence structures. Use synonyms, transitional phrases to express your ideas in a different and engaging manner.
•   Lack of Clarity: Clear and concise writing is important in all types of essay in IELTS writing task 2. Avoid overly complex sentence structures that can confuse the reader. Ensure that your ideas are expressed in a straightforward manner, and provide suitable examples and evidence to support your arguments.
• Failure to Address the Prompt Adequately: It is important to fully understand the prompt and answer all its questions asked in your essay prompt. Make sure you analyze the prompt carefully, identify the key components, and structure your essay accordingly. Give 5 minutes to understand the prompt before starting writing. 
• Insufficient Development of Ideas: Students sometimes present ideas without providing proper explanation or supporting ideas. You can avoid this mistake in all types of essay in IELTS writing task 2 by showing your ideas properly and using related examples, statistics, or personal experiences to strengthen your arguments. 
• Lack of Coherence and Cohesion: Coherence refers to the logical flow of ideas, while cohesion refers to the effective use of linking words and phrases to connect different parts of the essay. To improve coherence and cohesion, use appropriate transitional words and phrases, maintain a clear structure, and ensure that each paragraph is related to the previous one.
• Ignoring Counter-Arguments: In some essay types, it is important to discuss and address counter-arguments to show a balanced viewpoint. Failing to discuss opposing viewpoints can make your essay look weak. Take the time to consider alternative opinions and address them properly.

Best Books To Prepare For IELTS Writing Task 2

There are several excellent books to prepare for IELTS Writing Task 2. Here are some popular ones:

• “IELTS Writing Task 2 – Academic and General: The Ultimate Guide with Practice to Get a Target Band Score of 8.0+ in 10 Minutes a Day” by Rachel Mitchell
• “Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers: Authentic Examination Papers” by Cambridge University Press
• “IELTS Writing Task 2: Achieve Band 7+ in 5 Hours” by William Sautter
• “IELTS Writing Task 2 – 99 Essays Band 8+: A Collection of the Most Recent and Best IELTS Task 2 Essays” by Julia White
• “IELTS Writing Task 2: 99 Essays Band 8” by Dr. Lin Lougheed
• “IELTS Writing Task 2 Strategies: Band 7+ – IELTS Academic and General” by Rachel Mitchell
• “IELTS Writing Task 2 – Simon’s Band 9 Essays: 2019 Edition!” by Simon Braverman
• “Ace the IELTS: IELTS General Module – How to Maximize Your Score” by Simone Braverman

In this blog, I have explained 7 different types of essay in IELTS writing task 2. The essay writing in task 2 of IELTS exam is the same for both test takers, Academic and General training.

You need to prepare for all these types of essays to get a good score in the IELTS exam, because you can face any of these essays in the IELTS writing task 2.

If you still have any questions or queries related to types of essay in IELTS writing task 2, you can let us know through the comments and our experts will revert you as soon as possible.

Keep visiting Tackle IELTS for more interesting and informative contents like this.

How should I structure my essay in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Your essay should have a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs addressing the main points with suitable examples, and a conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and be connected through appropriate linking words.

How much time should I spend on IELTS Writing Task 2?

You should spend approximately 40 minutes to complete IELTS Writing task 2. I recommend you to spend 20 minutes planning and organising your ideas, and the remaining 20 minutes on writing and revising your essay.

How long should my essay be in IELTS Writing task 2?

Your essay should be at least 250 words. Writing significantly fewer words may result in lower scores. However, spending too much time on writing an excessively long essay may negatively impact on your time management for the entire writing section.

Can I use personal examples in my essays?

Yes, using personal examples can improve the clarity and credibility of your essay. However, you must ensure that your examples are relevant to the main points and support your arguments properly.

Are there any specific tips for time management during the exam?

Time management is crucial in IELTS Writing Task 2. Give the proper amount of time for planning, writing, and reviewing your essay. Practice timed writing sessions to improve your speed and efficiency.

How can I improve my vocabulary for essay writing?

Reading more and keeping a vocabulary guide can significantly improve your vocabulary knowledge. Also, practice using new words in your writing can improve your understanding and expand your vocabulary.

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7 Different Types Of IELTS Writing Task 2 Essays

• Post author By Rajat Dhull
• April 3, 2023

Nowadays, most people want to migrate abroad to an English-speaking nation to work or study. 

To fulfill this dream, they must prove their English language proficiency. There are numerous tests in the market to prove English proficiency, but the IELTS is the most chosen exam.

To achieve a good score in the IELTS exam, it is important to do well in the writing section. This is the most challenging section of the IELTS exam and requires proper guidance. So here, in this blog, I will explain the types of IELTS writing task 2 essays. Because if you can not differentiate different essay types in the IELTS exam, then it may be hard for you to score well in IELTS writing. Let’s start by understanding the IELTS exam!

Table of Contents

What Is IELTS?

The IELTS is an English language proficiency test that measures proficiency in 4 different modules;

This exam is conducted by IDP and accepted worldwide in more than 11000 educational institutes and organizations.

The IELTS exam is of two types one for Academic purposes (IELTS Academic) and one for immigration or PR purposes (IELTS General Training). The types of IELTS writing task 2 essays are the same for both exams. 

Let’s see the IELTS exam structure and the question types in different IELTS modules.

Read our other blog to learn How To Improve IELTS Writing Task 1 .

Types Of IELTS Writing Task 2

As I have mentioned above, the IELTS exam has 7 different types of writing tasks 2 essays;

Agree or disagree

• Discuss both views 

Advantages and disadvantages

• Problem or Solution 

Positive or Negative development

Direct essay.

This is the first and most common IELTS writing task 2 students face in the exam. In this essay type, the examiner will give you a statement and ask whether you agree or disagree with the given statement.

In agree or disagree, there are two types of questions;

• Partial agree or disagree

The examiner will ask you to what extent you agree or disagree with the statement. In your answer, you can partially agree or disagree with the given statement.

For example:

It is important to have a huge salary rather than job satisfaction. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement? Give relevant examples.

• Fully agree or disagree

The examiner will ask whether you agree or disagree with the statement. In your answer, you must agree or disagree with the statement. You can’t partially agree or disagree with the statement in this type of question.

By reading books, people can develop more language skills and imagination than by watching TV. Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Give relevant examples.

In an opinion essay, the examiner will give you a statement and will ask you to give your opinion about the statement. 

Many people believe that more money should be spent on saving endangered species, and others believe it is only a waste of time and money. Give your opinion with a suitable example.

Discuss both views

In this, the examiner will give you two different points of view about a single statement and ask you to discuss both views and sometimes the examiner can also ask for your opinion. 

Out of all these types of IELTS writing task 2 essays, this essay type is considered the most difficult to write. This is the most difficult because you have to think of ideas related to both views and keep in mind that you are not contradicting your idea.

Many people think it is important to exercise for good health, while others believe a balanced diet is essential. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Download the IELTS Writing Task 2 PDF with sample answers.

It may be clear from the name that the examiner will ask you the advantages and disadvantages of a trend in this type of question.

Many old people are not looked after by their children instead, they are put in nursing homes or care homes. What are this trend’s advantages (benefits) and disadvantages (drawbacks)?

Problems or Solutions 

In problems and solutions essays, the examiner will ask you about the problems that a trend can make and some solutions for those problems.

Explain the problems generated due to overpopulation in urban areas and give some solutions to solve those problems.

In this essay type, the examiner will give you a statement or talk about the latest trend and ask whether it is positive or negative.

Many countries are turning farmlands and parks into residential or commercial buildings . Is it a positive development or a negative one?

Read our other blog for the recent Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics .

This is the last and one of the simplest types of IELTS writing task 2 essays. In this, the examiner will give you one or two direct questions you must answer according to your knowledge.

Different companies use different methods or ways to promote their products. What are those methods, and which is the best and most effective?

In this blog, I have explained the types of IELTS writing task 2 essays. There are 7 different types of task 2 essays in IELTS writing, and you must prepare for all these essays for the best result because you don’t know what kind of essay you will face in the exam.

I hope this blog has cleared all your queries about the types of IELTS writing task 2, and if you need any IELTS or studying abroad guidance, you must contact our experts .

If you like this content and want to read more interesting and informative content, keep visiting CourseMentor™ daily.

Which is harder IELTS Academic or general?

The IELTS exam’s academic version is much harder than the general training. This is because the IELTS academic is for students who want to study in an English-speaking nation, and general training is only for PR or work permits.

Which is the toughest section in IELTS?

The writing section of the exam is considered the toughest; most students fail to get the desired score in this section of the IELTS exam.

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Demographic data.

• Test performance 

IELTS is proud to offer transparent statistics on our testing system. The following data has been compiled from the scores achieved by various groups of test takers. It helps researchers and teachers understand the performance of the test and how test takers perform in particular countries or regions.

We have split the data into three key themes:

• Test taker performance
• Test performance

This data set allows you to compare the percentage of test takers achieving different scores split into their age, reason for taking the test, first language, and nationality.

Note: For nationality and first language, the tables show the top nationalities and languages listed alphabetically, not in order of the size of the candidature.

• Download demographic data from 2022

Test taker performance 

IELTS tests are assessed on a 9-band scale. Results are delivered as an overall score and as scores for each of the individual skills sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.   

Overall band scores for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training test takers in 2022 are shown here, together with scores for individual skills, according to a variety of classifications. These figures are broadly in line with statistics for previous years. 

Note: For nationality and first language, the tables show the top nationalities and languages listed alphabetically, not in order of the size of the candidature. 

• Download test taker performance data from 2022

Test performance 2022

Each year, multiple versions of each of the IELTS test sections are released for use by centres testing IELTS test takers. Reliability estimates for the tests used in 2022 are reported below.

Reliability of Listening and Reading sections

The reliability of Listening and Reading sections are reported using Cronbach's alpha, a reliability estimate that measures the internal consistency of the 40-item sections. For Listening sections used in 2022, alphas ranged between 0.90 and 0.93, with an average of 0.91; for Academic Reading, alphas ranged between 0.86 and 0.94, with an average value of 0.90; while for General Training Reading, alphas ranged between 0.90 and 0.94, with an average of 0.91.

On the basis of these reliability figures, an estimate of the standard error of measurement (SEM) may be calculated for these sections using the following formula: SEM=SD*sqrt (1-r)

st is the standard deviation of the test

r is the reliability of the test

Table 1 Mean, standard deviation and standard error of measurement of Listening and Reading (2022)

The SEM should be interpreted in terms of the final band scores reported for Listening and Reading sections (which are reported in half-bands).

Reliability of Writing and Speaking sections

For more information about the assessment criteria used for rating Writing and Speaking performance, read about  IELTS scoring in detail .

Reliability of rating is assured through the face-to-face training and certification of examiners, who must all undergo a retraining and recertification process every two years. A Professional Support Network (PSN) manages and standardises the examiner cadre, including face-to-face examiner monitoring as well as distance monitoring (using recordings of the Speaking tests). Cases where one of the examiner-rated sections has been awarded a score that is markedly different to the scores in the Listening and Reading sections are automatically re-marked. Comparison of original and 'jagged' re-ratings of 2022 performances showed an inter-rater reliability coefficient of 0.87 for Speaking and 0.92 for Writing. The IELTS test contains four sections upon which an overall band score is awarded. So an estimate of composite reliability offers a useful measure for overall test reliability. Composite reliability estimates have been calculated following Feldt & Brennan (1989). To generate an appropriately cautious estimate, alpha values were used for the receptive skills, and inter-rater reliability coefficients for the examiner-rated scores. The composite reliability estimate for the Academic test was 0.97 and for the General Training test was 0.96, and produced a composite SEM of 0.17 for the Academic test and 0.21 for the General Training test.

• Feldt, LS & Brennan, RL (1989) Reliability. In RL Linn (Ed), Educational measurement (3rd ed, 105–146). New York: Macmillan
• Shaw, SD (2004) IELTS writing: revising assessment criteria and scales (Phase 3). Research Notes 16, 3–7
• Taylor, L & Jones, N (2001) Revising the IELTS Speaking Test. Research Notes 4, 9–12
• Accessibility

2023. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council; IDP IELTS; and Cambridge University Press & Assessment