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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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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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IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures

The four most common IELTS writing Task 2 questions are: Opinion, Advantages and Disadvantages, Problem and Solution Discussion

IELTS Task 2 Essay Structures

Knowing how to structure your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay is an essential skill that can make the difference between getting and not getting the band score you deserve. With that in mind, we have outlined the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 structures below.

Nearly all of my Task 2 essays follow this basic structure: The sentences you put in each paragraph will depend on what type of question you get.

The five most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are:

• Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Problem and Solution
• Discussion (Discuss both views)
• Two-part Question

Below I will outline examples and a structure approved by experienced IELTS teachers and examiners for each type of question. This will help you write a clear, coherent answer and hopefully boost your IELTS band score. I also include an example answer for each type of question so you can see the structure in a real essay.

Please note that these are general structures and may vary slightly depending on the question.

Please also note that no ‘one’ Task 2 essay structure will get you a high score. There are many types of structures that can get you a high score. These are just some I think are effective and easy to learn. 

Please visit the lessons below for more detailed guidance on each type of question. I have provided a link at the end of each section.

Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree) 

Typical Question Words –

What is your opinion?

Do you agree or disagree?

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Direct question.

Example Question –

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory in high school programmes (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).

Essay Structure 

Introduction 

1- Paraphrase Question

2- Give your opinion and outline the main ideas.

Main Body Paragraph 1 

1- Topic Sentence

2- Explain Topic Sentence

Main Body Paragraph 2

Conclusion 

1- Summary of main points and opinion

Student Sample Answer

It is argued that volunteering should be made part of the school curriculum. This essay agrees with that suggestion completely because it help pupils develop soft skills and helps them gain much-needed work experience.

Education should not be limited to strictly academic pursuits, and those in education should also develop life skills, such as teamwork, empathy and self-discipline, and one of the best ways to hone these aptitudes is through community service. Serving those less fortunate than ourselves teaches us many lessons, including how to work with people from other backgrounds and the value of hard work, thus enabling us to hone these skills before becoming an adult. For example, many young people from wealthier countries take a gap year and help those less fortunate than themselves to increase their gratitude for what they have and improve their work ethic.

Many colleges and companies are also increasingly looking for this type of experience. Most school leavers have the same grades, and charitable work can help set you apart from other students when making college applications. For example, Cambridge and Oxford receive thousands of applications from straight-A students yearly and can only accept a small percentage of applicants. What you have done outside the classroom often differentiates you from everyone else and gets you that coveted spot.

In conclusion, teenagers should be made to partake in unpaid work as part of their schooling because it will help them learn things they wouldn’t ordinarily learn from their teachers, and it will also boost their chances of getting into third-level education.

For more detail on how to answer agree or disagree questions, please visit our opinion essay lesson . 

Need help writing essays like this? Check out our ESSAY CORRECTION SERVICE .

Advantages and Disadvantages Questions

Typical Question Words 

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Example Question

Technology is being used more and more in education.

Essay Structure

2- Outline Main Points

Main Body Paragraph 1

1- State Two Advantages

2- Expand/Explain First Advantage

3- Expand/Explain Second Advantage

1- State Two Disadvantages

2- Expand/Explain First Disadvantage

3- Expand/Explain Second Disadvantage

1- Summary of Main Points

Student Sample Answer 

It is argued that technology plays an ever-increasing role in schools and universities. Increased access to information and student freedom are the main advantages, whereas dependency on technology and decreasing levels of face-to-face contact are the main disadvantages.

Access to more information and student autonomy are the principal advantages of increasing the use of electronic devices in education. With the internet, students can access all the information available about any topic, regardless of what books and other resources are available in the school. Furthermore, students can focus on whatever topic or subject they want and study it in depth. A prime example of this is the number of online university courses available to students, covering a myriad of subjects that, up until recently, were unavailable to most learners. This has resulted in more people studying third-level degrees than ever before at a pace and schedule that suits them.

The main disadvantages associated with the increasing use of technology in education are the dependency on this technology and the decrease in face-to-face interaction between students. With many students now using the internet as their primary source of information, they often struggle to use other academic resources to find what they’re looking for. As well as this, students spend more time looking at computer screens by themselves than interacting with each other, which is thought to lead to lower levels of emotional intelligence. For instance, the recent explosion in smartphone use has been at the expense of genuine human interaction. This results in soft skills, such as verbal communication and empathy, being affected.

In conclusion, the benefits technology brings to education, such as unrestricted access to information and student autonomy, must be weighed against the drawbacks, such as dependency on this technology and the negative effects on human interaction.

For more detail on how to answer advantage and disadvantage questions, please visit our  advantage and disadvantage lesson . 

Discuss Both Views Question (Discussion Essay)  

Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.

Example Question 

Technology is being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.

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

1- Paraphrase Question and/or state both viewpoints.

2- Thesis Statement

3- Outline Sentence

1- State first viewpoint

2- Discuss first viewpoint

3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint

4- Example to support your view

1- State second viewpoint

2- Discuss second viewpoint

Sentence 1- Summary

Sentence 2- State which one is better or more important

There is an ever-increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the classroom. It is often argued that this is a positive development, whilst others disagree and think it will lead to adverse ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in technology is beneficial to students and teachers.

The Internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before. This has allowed learners to research and learn about any subject at the touch of a button. It is therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for education. Wikipedia is a prime example, where students can type in any keyword and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.

However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. Human interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Without these soft skills, many people find it difficult to become successful in work and their personal lives. Despite this, human interaction is still possible through the internet, and this essay disagrees that technology should be dismissed for this reason. For instance, Skype and Facebook allow people to interact in ways that were never before possible.

While the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap into limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomenon and not allow it to curb face-to-face interaction. However, as long as we carefully consider the importance of human interaction in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive.

For more detail on how to answer discussion questions please visit our  discussion essay lesson . 

Problem and Solution Questions

Problem and solution.

Cause and solution.

Students are becoming more and more reliant on technology.

What are some of the problems associated with reliance on computers, and what are some of the possible solutions?

2- Outline Sentence

1- State Problems

2- Explain First Problem

3- Explain Second Problem

4- Example of Second Problem

1- State Solutions

2- Explain First Solution

3- Explain Second Solution

4- Example of Second Solution

Learners are becoming increasingly dependent on technology, such as the Internet and mobile devices. This essay believes the main problems associated with dependence on computers are the lack of original thought and copying original work from others and suggests critical thinking classes and writing analysis software as the most viable solutions.

The principal problems with over-reliance on technology are people being unable to think for themselves and plagiarism. With access to so much information, students often rely on other people’s opinions instead of forming their own. As well as this, they often use search engines to answer a question and copy the text from a website rather than thinking about the question. This practice is prohibited in schools and universities and stunts students’ intellectual development because they will never truly think for themselves, which is what university is supposed to be for. For example, many teachers complain that students copy web pages straight from Wikipedia word for word rather than giving a reasoned answer to their questions.

Solutions to these worrying problems are special classes to focus on critical thinking and teachers using anti-plagiarism software to detect copying. If teachers create situations where students have to infer meaning and express opinions based on a small amount of information, this will ensure that students have an opportunity to develop these skills. Also, if students know that their assignments are being checked for plagiarism, this will be enough to deter them from doing so. For instance, many universities already use this kind of software to scan coursework for plagiarism, and it could be extended to include all homework by learners in both secondary and tertiary education.

In conclusion, the main problems with the overuse of technology in education are the lack of original thought and plagiarism. These can be solved through special classes that teach students analytical skills and plagiarism detection software.

For more detail on how to answer problem and solution questions please visit our  problem and solution lesson . 

Two-Part Questions

There will normally be a statement, and they will then ask you to answer separate questions.

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.

What factor contributes to job satisfaction?

How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

2- Outline Sentence (mention both questions)

1- Answer first question directly

2- Explain why

3- Further explain

1- Answer second question directly

As most adults spend most of their time at work, being content with your career is a crucial part of a person’s health and happiness. This essay will first suggest fair pay as a key element leading to job satisfaction, and it will then state that it is not very likely that everyone can be happy with their job.

The most important thing that satisfies someone at work is being compensated fairly. If those more senior than you respect you as a person and the job you are doing, then you feel like you are valued. A fair salary and benefits are important marks of respect, and if you feel you are being underpaid, you will either resent your bosses or look for another job. These two factors came top of a recent job satisfaction survey conducted by Monster.com, which found that 72% of people were pleased with their current role if their superiors regularly told them they were appreciated.

With regard to the question of happiness for all workers, I think this is and always will be highly unlikely. The vast majority of people fail to reach their goals and end up working in a post they don’t really care about in return for a salary. This money is just enough to pay their living expenses which often means they are trapped in a cycle of disenchantment. For example, The Times recently reported that 89% of office workers would leave their jobs if they did not need the money.

In conclusion, being satisfied with your trade or profession is an important part of one’s well-being, and respect from one’s colleagues and fair pay can improve your level of happiness; however, job satisfaction for all workers is an unrealistic prospect.

Can I get a band 8 or 9 following these structures? 

Nobody can give you a Task 2 IELTS structure that guarantees high scores. Your score is dependent on how good your grammar and vocabulary are and how well you answer the question. A good structure will help you answer the question to some extent and boost your score for coherence and cohesion, but you must use relevant ideas and use these ideas well to answer the question.

You can see how my student scored a Band 8.5 in IELTS Writing here:

Next Steps 

We hope you found those IELTS Writing Task 2 structures useful. Looking for some more sample questions? Here are over 100 sample questions from past exam papers.

If you would personalised feedback and guidance until you get the score you need, you can join the Waiting List for my VIP Course here.

About Christopher Pell

My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.

I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.

The Different IELTS Essay Types & How To Approach Them

Oct 23, 2023 | IELTS Test

Data from the IELTS partners show that  Writing is the area in which Academic test takers will struggle the most . This significant insight underscores the necessity of mastering the essay writing section, especially if you are an aspiring student aiming to thrive in English-speaking academic environments.

In the Academic version of the test especially, it’s not just about stringing words together; it’s a precise evaluation of your ability to articulate ideas, build logical arguments, and present them in a coherent manner.

Recognising this challenge, we’ve compiled this guide to demystify the task 2 IELTS essay writing world. Whether you’re puzzled by Opinion Essays or baffled by Advantages and Disadvantages Essays, we will unravel the complexities. From breaking down each essay type to offering strategic insights on tackling them, this comprehensive guide is designed to put you firmly on the right path.

What Are The Different IELTS Essay Types?

IELTS essay writing is a nuanced and multifaceted task, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution, even if there are some general rules to follow. This is because, depending on the type of essay you are being asked to write, it will alter the way in which it needs to be approached. 

These are the types of essays in IELTS Writing Task 2, and there are five of them that candidates like yourself should be aware of…

1. Opinion Essays (or Agree or Disagree / Argumentative Essays)

What It Is:  A statement will be given in the question, and you’re asked to give your opinion.

How to Approach It:  Express your opinion on the statement, backing it with relevant examples and reasons. Keep your writing focused, clearly stating whether you agree or disagree with the statement.

It doesn’t matter whether you choose to agree or disagree with the statement given in this question; what is important is that you can logically present your own point of view. You can  take a look here at a model answer  we have written for exactly this type of IELTS Essay question.

2. Discussion Essays

What It Is:  You must discuss both sides of an argument, often giving your opinion as well.

How to Approach It:  Select one point of view to agree with and another to disagree with. Explain both perspectives and be sure to include your own opinion if asked.

With these types of essays, just as with the opinion essays, you’ll need to evaluate both sides of the argument and then give reasons for why you have sided one way or the other. Again, we have  a model answer prepared on this IELTS essay type, which you can view here.

3. Advantages & Disadvantages Essay

What It Is:  A statement is provided, and you’re asked to write about both its advantages and disadvantages.

How to Approach It:  Discuss both the positives and negatives of the given statement. Answer the specific question asked, such as if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Often, with this type of IELTS essay, you will be asked whether or not the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. This, again, makes it more akin to an opinion essay as you’ll be expected to logically demonstrate your reasoning for your opinion. You can  read an example of a Do The Advantages Outweigh The Disadvantages essay here .

4. Problem & Solution Essays (or Causes and Solutions Essays)

What It Is:  A statement is given, and you’re asked to discuss the problems or causes and the solutions.

How to Approach It:

• Choose one or two problems or causes and develop them fully.
• Link each problem or cause with its solution and provide detailed explanations and examples.
• Avoid listing too many problems without linking and explaining them.

These types of Writing Task 2 essays can be especially challenging, as you won’t be given a point of view to evaluate; instead, you’ll be given a problem that needs to be solved.  You can see an example of how we have approached one of the IELTS essay types here .

5. Direct Questions Essay (or Two Questions Essay)

What It Is:  A statement with two different questions after it, which may or may not be linked.

How to Approach It:  Answer both questions fully without confusing this with an opinion or a discussion essay. Focus on clarity and precision, being careful not to introduce too many ideas.

These are similar to cause and solution essays.  Take a look at one of our model answers for a direct questions essay here .

Tips For Approaching Different IELTS Essay Types

Writing an essay will always require more than just understanding the question; no matter the question, the process demands a strategic approach. It is true that the first step is to analyse and understand the question, identifying keywords and understanding what it is that the examiner is actually looking for from you. Planning your essay with a well-structured outline that includes main points and supporting details can guide your writing and keep you focused.

Managing your time effectively is crucial in the writing process. Allocate time for planning, writing, and revising, and use a timer during practice to simulate the real exam experience. Regular reading and writing practice will also enhance your vocabulary and grammar skills, improving your ability to express ideas clearly and coherently.

When it comes to some specific advice for each of the different types of essays in IELTS Writing Task 2, there are some things that, if you remember them, can keep you on the path to success when you are sitting the exam. 

Opinion Essays:  Build a strong argument for Opinion Essays by presenting clear reasons and examples. Balance your opinion throughout the essay and conclude decisively.

Discussion Essays:  In Discussion Essays, present both sides of an issue with insights and evidence. Include your viewpoint if asked, maintaining an objective tone throughout.

Advantages & Disadvantages Essays:  For Advantages & Disadvantages Essays, weigh the pros and cons carefully, using concrete examples, and let your conclusion reflect your overall analysis.

Problem & Solution Essays:  Problem & Solution Essays require you to identify key problems and propose viable solutions, supporting them with evidence and linking them coherently.

Direct Questions Essays:  Direct Questions Essays demand precise answers to all questions posed. Stay focused and avoid unnecessary elaboration.

Writing Techniques & Use Of Language In Different IELTS Essay Types

Mastering techniques for approaching the different IELTS essay types isn’t solely about understanding the diverse essay types. It also hinges on the finesse of language skills and essay writing techniques, ensuring your responses are both compelling and clear in the view of the examiner.

You’ll need to have a good IELTS essay structure, and this begins with gaining an understanding of how the examiners will expect you to form your response. A well-constructed IELTS essay begins with a lucid introductory statement, paving the way for logically organised body paragraphs. It’s paramount that each of these paragraphs encapsulates a singular main idea bolstered with relevant evidence or examples. 

With the IELTS essay structure, and before we highlight the importance of using a complex vocabulary correctly, it’s also advised to use linking words. Transition terms such as “however,” “moreover,” “therefore,” and “hence” serve as bridges, binding your ideas into a coherent narrative. They not only enhance the logical flow but also fortify your arguments, making them more persuasive. These should not be overused, though! 30-40% of sentences in high-scoring sentences will begin with a transition word. Overuse of these words will be penalised just as harshly as underuse.

Another significant pillar when it comes to your IELTS essay is going to be correct  use of different vocabulary . Demonstrating to the examiner your range of vocabulary, when correctly applied, can be one of the factors pushing your band score higher. However, you need to be careful, as it’s essential that every word or phrase used fits seamlessly within the context. Overindulgence in complex terms, especially when not fully grasped, can render an essay convoluted and confusing.

Finally, you’ll need to adhere to grammatical rules and use punctuation correctly throughout any IELTS essay. Whilst both of these may seem basic, a nuanced understanding can really elevate the quality of your essay. As part of any IELTS preparation, you should find ways to easily review grammar rules periodically and sharpen your skills by spotting and rectifying errors in your own various writings. 

These techniques and practices can ensure that your essays not only resonate with clarity but also captivate the reader with their depth.

Approaching IELTS Essay Types: A Summary

Navigating IELTS essay writing can undoubtedly be daunting and incredibly difficult for many candidates. Yet, with the right guidance, knowledge, and practice, this challenge becomes one that you can be much more comfortable with. 

Candidates can achieve their desired band score by understanding the different IELTS essay types, embracing effective writing techniques, and nurturing a keen sense of language use.

Remember, success in IELTS writing isn’t just about the depth of one’s vocabulary or the strength of one’s arguments; it’s about the holistic integration of all these elements into a cohesive, compelling narrative. 

Finally, always be conscious that to achieve the best possible score, you should not only aim to meet the exam’s requirements but to surpass them. Use your knowledge of the different IELTS essay types to guide you in performing well in IELTS Writing Task 2.

IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

• Test Information FAQ
• Band Scores
• IELTS Candidate Success Tips
• Computer IELTS: Pros & Cons
• How to Prepare
• Useful Links & Resources
• Recommended Books
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2
• Speaking Part 1 Topics
• Speaking Part 2 Topics
• Speaking Part 3 Topics
• 100 Essay Questions
• On The Day Tips
• Top Results
• Advanced IELTS

IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips, Lessons & Models

Success in IELTS writing task 2 is based on using the right techniques. These free tips, model essays, lessons, videos and information will help develop the skills for writing task 2. This page will teach you how to maximise your IELTS writing task 2 score.

All lessons are on this page are for both GT and Academic writing task 2.

On this page, you will find for free:

• Test Information for Writing Task 2
• Practice essay questions
• Essential tips for IELTS writing task 2
• Free video lessons
• Model essays
• Practice lessons to improve your IELTS essay writing (paraphrasing, skills, ideas, spelling etc

Although some lessons are dated from years ago, all lessons and tips are 100% relevant to IELTS writing task 2 today. 

1. IELTS Writing Task 2 Test Information

Learn about your IELTS writing task 2 test.

• IELTS recommend you spend no more than 40 mins on writing task 2. However, the time is yours to manage as you wish.
• You should write  over 250 words. In the lessons below you will learn about word count and essay length.
• Learn how your total writing score is calculated: Total Writing Score Calculations
• Task Response (25%)
• Coherence & Cohesion (25%)
• Vocabulary (25%)
• Grammar (25%)
• For band score tips and details, see this page: IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Scores 
• Academic writing task 2 is a formal essay. The common types of essays are: Opinion, Discussion, Advantage/Disadvantage, Direct Questions, Solutions. These categorisations will differ from teacher to teacher depending on how they like to teach. See below for 100 IELTS Essay Questions to practise at home.
• GT writing task 2 is the same as Academic IELTS. The essay is written in the same way and the scoring is the same. The only difference is that GT essay questions are often easier and topics are simpler.
• All words will be counted, even small or repeated words. See this page: How Words are Counted
• COMPUTER DELIVERED IELTS: See the following link to read Pros and Cons of Computer Based IELTS : 
• For more information about IELTS test rules and info, see this page: IELTS  Test FAQ

2. IELTS Practice Essay Questions

Practice essay questions to help you prepare ideas for topics in IELTS writing task 2. These questions have been written based on questions reported by IELTS students. They are not IELTS tests.

Over 100 IELTS Essay Questions

3. Essential IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips

The most important writing tips for a strong IELTS essay in writing task 2. Learn about the recommended essay length, how to plan your essay, when to give your opinion and how to write an introduction etc.

How many paragraphs for an IELTS essay? : Essay structure

Key Linking Words List : Academic Vocabulary

Types of IELTS Essays : Main Essay Types in Writing Task 2

Video:  How to write an introduction paragraph : Complete lesson

Essay Planning Tips : How to plan your IELTS essay

Common Essay Topics : 20 Most Common Essay Topics

Video:  Essay Length Advice : How long should your essay be?

Video:  Official Writing Answer Sheet Tips : Using the answer sheet

When to give your opinion : Opinion Essay Tips

Video  Using the last 5 minutes : Exam technique tips

Video: Paraphrasing Tips

Finding Ideas : Developing ideas for essay topics

4. More Video & Tips for Writing Task 2

• Deleting Words in your Essay
• Should I indent the first word of my paragraphs?
• 10 sentences to avoid in your IELTS essay
• Video:  How to add examples to your essay
• Tips: Under Words Penalty
• Do advantages outweigh disadvantages tips?
• Video:   How to give your opinion
• Can you use quotes, idioms or proverbs in your essay?
• Handwriting: Using cursive writing or not
• Essay Questions from 2016
• Writing a Long Introduction: Good or Bad?
• Video : Single-sex & Mixed Schools 
• Video : Grammar – How to Add a Clause
• Video : Grammar – Connecting Sentences
• Video : Conclusion Linkers
• Video : Discussion Essay Useful Language
• Video : Using the Last 5 Minutes Tips
• Video : Should Ideas be Interesting?
• New Essay Topics for 2023

All Free IELTS Writing Task 2 Videos Lessons

5. Model Essays

Sample essays for IELTS writing task 2. These high score model essays will help you understand how to answer the essay questions and how to structure your writing.

• Agree Disagree Opinion Essay: Health
• Advantages & Disadvantages Essay: Language
• Cause  Solution Essay: Crime & Punishment
• Direct Questions Essay: Happiness
• Opinion Essay: Social Media
• Discussion Essay: Work
• Direct Questions Essay: Family
• Direct Questions Essay: Art
• Positive or Negative Development: Social Media
• 2 Model Essays about Economy & Money /Buildings
• Model Essay & Question for Topic of Education
• Two Question Essay: Technology

6. Practice Lessons for Writing Task 2

Develop your IELTS writing skills and get useful ideas for many essay questions. Lessons are in order of date and new lessons will be added over time.

• New Essay Topics in 2023 (these are new topics only. You also need to prepare all common topics as well)
• IELTS Essay Topics Prediction 2022
• Grammar Test : Using “the” with countries and nationalities
• Paraphrasing Practice 1
• Paraphrasing Practice 2
• Paraphrasing Practice 3
• Essay Questions for 2017 – questions reported in the test this year.
• Using Passive Voice for Giving Opinions
• Essay Ideas: Employment Competition
• Writing Skills: Paraphrasing Practice
• Writing Skills: Improving Sentences (2)
• Essay Ideas: The Importance of History
• Essay Ideas: Housing & Trees 
• Essay Ideas: International Aid
• Essay Ideas: City Transport
• Essay Ideas: Salaries
• Essay Ideas: Function of Schools
• Essay Ideas: Female Staff in Senior Positions
• Writing Skills: Punctuation Practice
• Writing Skills: Linking Word Practice
• Essay Ideas: Littering in Cities
• Listen and Write Dictation: Natural Disasters
• Discussion Essay with Feedback: Music Topic
• Writing Skills: Improving Sentences: Ebooks Topic
• Essay Ideas: Banning Mobile Phones
• Two Question Essay with Feedback: Judging Business Success
• Essay Ideas: Tourism and Local Communities
• Essay Ideas: Traffic & Pollution
• Writing Skills: Improving a Thesis Statement
• Writing Skills: Improving Sentences (1)
• Essay Ideas: Handwriting Skills
• Essay Ideas: Promoting to Children
• Essay Ideas: Older or Younger Leaders
• Writing Skills: Introduction Feedback
• Writing Skill: Opinion Essay Introduction Feedback
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Body Paragraphs
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Introduction
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Finding Main Points
• Writing Skills: Thesis Statement
• Essay Ideas: Public Services .

………………

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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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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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6 Different Essay Types in IELTS Writing Task 2

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Identifying the 5 types of IELTS essays

Get familiar with the different types of ielts essays..

Updated: August 25th 2023

Among IELTS teachers there are often considered to be five patterns or five types of IELTS essays. In this post, we will look at how to spot them.

Before you begin writing your essay the first thing you must do is analyse the task by looking at the instruction words. I have underlined the instruction words in the tasks below, these indicate what type of question it is.

Analysing the task question is a crucial step because if you do not take the time to do this, or if you are unclear about anything, you could write a completely different essay. See more here.

The 5 types of IELTS essays

1. advantages and disadvantages essay 2. opinion essays (sometimes called an argument essay) 3. discussion essay 4. two-part question essay (sometimes called a direct question essay) 5. problem solution essay / causes solution essay, useful links, model answers for the 5 types of ielts essays., planning your ielts essay., how to think of ideas for essays., strategies and tips for paraphrasing the question., how to write a good thesis statement., 3 types of advantage disadvantage essays., take a look at these question types for ielts essays, can you guess what type of essays they are.

I have underlined the ‘instruction words’ , these tell you what kind of essay it is and what to write about.

1. Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not the real needs of the society in which they are sold. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Opinion essay: In this question, it asks to what extent do you agree or disagree? this means ” how much do you agree or disagree? ”  In other words: do you completely agree? completely disagree? partly agree? neither agree nor disagree. The thesis statement you write should state 2 reasons for your opinion. Each main body paragraph ten covers each reason with an example to support your view.

The essay should have 2 main body paragraphs with your opinion in the introduction, main body, and the conclusion.

2. Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Discussion and opinion essay: Here you need to discuss both points of view in the question and give your own opinion. So you need 2 body paragraphs covering each point of view and examples with details and your opinion. You could also have a third body paragraph with your own specific opinion if you prefer.  Your opinion should also be in the introduction as well as each body paragraph and the conclusion.

3. As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual well-being. What factors contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

Two-part or double question essay: In main body one you should write about the factors that make up job satisfaction. In main body two, it is asking your opinion, so you would write your opinion about whether, realistically, everyone can expect to be happy in their jobs. In my view, this is not realistic so I would state that as my opinion and explain why I hold that view.

4. Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake. In your opinion what should be the main function of a university?

Opinion Essay: It looks like a discussion essay as there are 2 views being presented; however, if you check the instruction words it does not ask you to ‘Discuss both sides’ 

First of all, paraphrase the task question then include your opinion in the thesis statement. There should be 2 main body paragraphs and each main body states your opinion with reasons for your opinion and an example.

5. In some countries, the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and fitness are decreasing. What are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?

Problem Solution Essay: You need to state the causes of the problem in the first main body paragraph and possible solutions in the second main body paragraph. Also, note that you do not have to give a direct personal opinion here, it is asking for a possible way the issue can be solved.

6. Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Advantages disadvantages essay:   The keyword here is ‘ outweigh’ it means ‘are the advantages stronger than the disadvantages?’. Body paragraph 1 should focus on one or two advantages and body paragraph 2 should focus one or two disadvantages with explanations and examples.

This is a special type of ‘Advantage Disadvantage’ essay, it actually asks for your opinion here. You must write what you think is stronger, the advantage or disadvantage?. The whole essay will reflect your opinion .

7. Some people think a crime should always have a fixed punishment like life for murder, while others believe you should take the circumstances of the crime into account. Discuss both views .

Discussion essay. The instruction words say: “Some people think… while others believe”.. and also “Discuss both views”…These are the keywords that show it is a discussion essay.

Some people believe ….while others think… Many people say…… whereas others think….. Some say …….whereas others argue….

You will need to state the public/ general opinion and give examples and detail in this type of essay. Did you notice that the question does not ask for your opinion? Usually, discussion essays ask for your opinion so this type of task is quite rare.. click here for a lesson on language for discussion essays.

8. In recent times, more people prefer to communicate via messaging apps and email instead of face-to-face. Why do you think this is? When is face to face to face communication necessary?

Two-part or double question essay: This question is asking for a direct opinion because the words ‘Do you think..’ indicates that it wants your own opinion. You need to answer the first question in body paragraph 1, explain the issue and give an example. Then answer the second question in body paragraph 2, explain and give an example.  The conclusion is just a summary of your key points with your opinion again.

See this lesson about 3 types of Advantage Disadvantage essays

For model answers on these types of essays click this link here, leave a comment below if you have any questions., leave a comment cancel reply.

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Writing High-Scoring IELTS Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing great IELTS essays is essential for success. This guide will give you the tools to craft high-scoring essays. It’ll focus on structuring thoughts, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and expressing ideas with clarity . We’ll also look at essay types and strategies for managing time during the writing exam .

Practice is key . Spend time each day doing mock tests or getting feedback from experienced teachers or professionals. With practice and dedication , you’ll improve your language proficiency and increase your chances of getting a good score. Good luck!

Understanding the IELTS Essay Task

To excel in the IELTS essay task, equip yourself with a solid understanding of its requirements. Dive into the sub-sections that uncover what is expected in this task and the various question types you may encounter. Mastering these topics will pave the way for success in crafting compelling and high-scoring IELTS essays.

What is expected in the IELTS essay task

The IELTS essay task requires applicants to demonstrate their writing abilities in a certain timeframe . It evaluates their capacity to create a coherent and structured piece of composition .

A clear thesis is a must. It should be succinct, conveying the primary thought of the essay . Also, there should be a logical structure including an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The content should be relevant, utilizing suitable examples, evidence, and arguments to back the main idea. Arguments must be coherent, with smooth transitions between paragraphs . Plus, formal language, correct grammar, and accurate syntax must be used.

Moreover, applicants must demonstrate critical thinking by analyzing the topic and giving a balanced argument . Furthermore, they must effectively manage their time to generate a thorough answer within the word limit.

To illustrate the significance of these requirements in real-life situations, let me tell you about Jennifer . She was an aspiring nurse from Brazil taking the IELTS test . At first, she found it hard to handle the essay task. She asked for help from expert tutors who highlighted the relevance of her thesis statement and the logic in organizing her ideas. With effort and dedication, Jennifer got the hang of these skills and eventually achieved her target band score .

The types of questions asked in the IELTS essay task

The IELTS essay task covers multiple types of questions. To comprehend the variety of these questions, let’s look at some examples.

To do well, you need to prepare and practice for each type. Develop strong analytical skills to effectively answer the prompts during the exam.

Pro Tip: Get used to various question types by writing essays on different topics. This will help you adjust and boost your performance.

Descriptive questions

It’s essential to comprehend the IELTS Essay Task. This section focuses on descriptive questions . To illustrate this info effectively, use a table with suitable columns. Unique details enhance our understanding. To sharpen essay writing abilities, certain tips are useful. For instance, practice time management and create a clear structure . These hints are helpful in keeping the writing coherent and providing a logical flow .

Also Read: 10 Must-Follow IELTS Reading Tips and Tricks to Boost Your Band Score

Argumentative questions

Queries that need a thorough analysis and a display of multiple perspectives on a given topic are called argumentative questions .

They come in different types, such as:

• Cause and Effect (e.g. What are the consequences of using social media?)
• Pros and Cons (e.g. Should zoos be forbidden?)
• Agree or Disagree (e.g. Is homework essential for students?).

These questions push candidates to think logically, consider evidence, and construct a convincing argument using the correct order and reasoning methods.

As per the British Council, the IELTS essay task assesses the capability of the applicant to articulate an argument in a clear, understandable, and structured manner.

Advantages and disadvantages questions

Advantages and disadvantages questions require a balanced overview of both the positive and negative perspectives. Here is a summary of these questions:

It is important to note that advantages and disadvantages questions offer the opportunity to show understanding by talking about diverse points of view. Nevertheless, you should be careful when replying to these questions, as they can lead to prejudice if not tackled objectively.

Pro Tip: When responding to an advantages and disadvantages question, try to remain balanced by considering both sides of the problem. This will help you create an in-depth reply.

Problem and solution questions

Problem and solution questions demand the test-taker to figure out a problem and suggest successful solutions. Here are 6 tips to help you excel in this IELTS essay type:

• Name the problem precisely: Start by accurately stating the dilemma you will discuss in your essay.
• Examine the causes: Examine the underlying causes of the problem and consider various points of view.
• Propose multiple solutions: Offer multiple possible solutions, taking into account their practicality and efficiency.
• Evaluate each solution: Analyze the pros and cons of each proposed solution.
• Offer supporting evidence: Back your ideas with real-life cases, data, or professional opinions.
• Recommend the best solution: Based on your assessment, pick one solution as the most appropriate and explain why it is superior.

Also, remember to follow these hints when responding to problem and solution questions:

• Think about short-term and long-term effects of applying each solution.
• Prioritize realistic and feasible solutions over idealistic ones.
• Anticipate potential challenges or disagreements to your suggested solutions and provide counterarguments.

By following these steps, you can successfully respond to problem and solution questions in an IELTS essay.

Analyzing the Essay Question

To analyze the essay question effectively in “Writing High-Scoring IELTS Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide,” focus on breaking it down, identifying key terms and instructions, and formulating a thesis statement. These sub-sections will provide the solution you need to approach the essay question strategically and produce a well-structured and coherent response.

Breaking down the essay question

Let’s break down an essay question with a table. The table has elements, description, topic, scope, task, and subtasks .

We can use this table to plan and structure our response. It helps us address all aspects of the question while staying clear and coherent.

Here are some tips for breaking down an essay question:

• Read and understand it. Look for keywords that give clues.
• Identify the main topic.
• Find out the scope.
• Analyze the task.
• Break down subtasks.

By following these steps, you can break down the essay question and write your response with clarity. Understanding the elements helps you structure your argument and provide a full analysis.

Identifying key terms and instructions

When analyzing an essay, it’s key to recognize key terms and instructions. This allows us to know what is being asked and how to approach the topic. We can do this by:

• Reading the question thoroughly.
• Looking for important words.
• Finding out the meanings of any unfamiliar terms.
• Understanding the instructions.
• Noting limitations or qualifiers.
• Setting boundaries for what should be included or excluded.

Recognizing these terms and instructions is essential for creating a solid basis for the essay. Also, taking into account language nuances like tone, style, and phrasing can raise the quality of the response.

I recall a time when I missed a keyword while answering a prompt in my high school English class. Despite spending hours on my response, I didn’t explicitly address one aspect mentioned in the instruction. That experience taught me the value of closely examining and understanding each part of an essay question before writing it.

Formulating a thesis statement

Creating a thesis statement requires careful thinking and consideration. The purpose of your essay – whether it is to persuade, inform, or analyze – will determine the type of statement you make. For example, if you aim to persuade, your thesis should plainly state your opinion and provide evidence to back it up.

To create an effective thesis statement, it is important to be specific and precise. Avoid making foggy or wide statements that are unclear. Instead, focus on making an exact statement or argument. This will help guide your essay and give it a clear purpose.

When forming your thesis statement, consider counterarguments. Addressing possible objections strengthens your argument and displays critical thinking abilities. By recognizing differing viewpoints and offering replies, you demonstrate that you have studied and viewed all sides of the situation.

In addition, a great thesis statement should be debatable. It should start a conversation and attract the reader. Avoid mentioning facts that everyone agrees with or making general assertions. Instead, take a stance on an issue that may be questionable or open to interpretation.

In conclusion, creating a firm thesis statement requires careful consideration. Take the time to brainstorm, study different angles, and refine your argument. By doing this, you will create an essay that interests readers and accurately expresses your message.

Planning and Organizing the Essay

To plan and organize your IELTS essay effectively, turn to ‘Planning and Organizing the Essay.’ Create an outline, brain dump ideas, and arrange them logically. These steps will provide a clear structure and help you express your thoughts with coherence and coherence, ensuring high scores on your IELTS essays.

Creating an outline

Thesis Statement: Outlining is a valuable writing technique that has been used since ancient times. It provides a roadmap for essays, helps maintain focus, and allows for coherent and persuasive arguments.

Paragraph 1:

• Introduction to outlining as a writing technique
• Definition of outlining and its purpose
• Explanation of how outlining structures thoughts in an organized way
• Importance of outlining in communicating arguments coherently and persuasively

Paragraph 2:

• Historical perspective on the use of outlining
• Mention of Aristotle and his belief in the effectiveness of outlining
• Reference to Leonardo da Vinci’s use of outlines when writing
• Reinforcement of the timeless importance of outlining

Paragraph 3:

• Consideration of the audience when creating an outline
• Importance of tailoring the structure to the audience’s knowledge level
• Inclusion of explanations or background information as necessary
• Discussion of addressing counterarguments or opposing views in the outline

Conclusion:

• Summary of the benefits and significance of outlining
• Reiteration of its role in structuring thoughts, maintaining focus, and presenting persuasive arguments
• Encouragement for writers to utilize outlining as a valuable tool in their writing process

brain dumping ideas

Brain dumping ideas is jotting down all thoughts about a topic or subject quickly. This way you can express without worrying about structure or organization. To make the most of this technique, consider these four points:

• Dedicate time and space to brainstorming. Find a quiet environment with no distractions.
• Grab pen and paper or open a blank document. Write any ideas that come to mind, even small ones.
• Review what you have written. Look for patterns and connections.
• Organize your thoughts into categories or themes.

Remember, brain dumping is not a final product. It’s a tool for creativity. Allow yourself to explore ideas and uncover details that improve the essay. Here are more suggestions:

• Go beyond the obvious ideas. Think outside the box.
• Use mind mapping and visual aids to represent thoughts.
• Discuss ideas with peers or mentors.
• Take breaks if you feel overwhelmed.

Arranging ideas logically

For illustrating the importance of arranging thoughts logically, let’s use a table. It demonstrates multiple organizational patterns:

Now let’s discuss extra details. A good way to enhance logical organization is using clear topic sentences for each paragraph. These sentences act as signposts. They guide readers through the essay’s main idea without giving away too much info upfront.

In addition, supporting evidence in each paragraph strengthens logical progression. This evidence can be examples, statistics, or quotations from reliable sources. These substantiate your statements.

Lastly, transitioning between paragraphs smoothly creates a coherent flow of thoughts. Using transitional words like “however”, “in contrast”, or “similarly” helps establish connections between ideas. This avoids abrupt changes of topics.

Writing the Introduction

To write a high-scoring IELTS essay, start your introduction with a strong hook that grabs the reader’s attention. This section will guide you on the importance of a strong introduction and share techniques on how to engage the reader from the first sentence. Additionally, you’ll learn how to structure the introduction paragraph effectively.

The importance of a strong introduction

Writing a strong introduction is essential. It sets the tone for an article and draws readers in. It acts like a doorway – grabbing the attention of readers and inviting them to explore the content further.

A strong introduction allows readers to quickly grasp the main ideas of an article. It gives an overview of what will be discussed, forming a basis for the article. Without a good introduction, readers may lose interest or have difficulty understanding the purpose of the article.

Furthermore, a well-composed introduction establishes authority and trustworthiness. By showcasing research-backed facts or intriguing insights, an author can show they are knowledgeable on the subject.

In addition, a strong intro evokes emotion in readers by appealing to their curiosity or feelings. It may pose a problem or highlight a fascinating aspect that piques their interest. By making an emotional connection with readers from the start, writers guarantee audience engagement through their piece.

Now let’s look at some unique details about introductions. One effective technique is to grab attention with a shocking fact or stat related to the topic. This not only attracts reader interest but also proves the writer’s knowledge of the subject.

Another technique is to use storytelling elements in introductions. Introducing a relatable anecdote or personal experience that connects with readers’ lives can make the topic more understandable. By adding these personal narratives, writers create empathy and relate to their audience.

Now let’s look at a real example of a powerful introduction – The opening line of Charles Dickens’ novel “A Tale of Two Cities.” His famous line “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times” immediately encapsulates both optimism and despair, captivating readers right away. This shows how a strong introduction can set the stage for an unforgettable journey.

Remember, a powerful introduction can make or break an article. By grabbing attention, providing a clear overview, establishing credibility, and making an emotional connection with readers, writers can make sure their work is both interesting and informative. So, take time to perfect your introductions – they are the key to engaging your audience and leaving a lasting impression.

How to grab the reader’s attention

• Start with an intriguing fact or a thought-provoking question. This will get the reader’s attention.
• Introduce the topic and show why it’s important. Keep it concise and focused.
• State your main point or argument. Give the reader a roadmap.

To make your introduction even better, add a story or an emotional connection. This will create an instant bond and keep them hooked.

Remember: Grab their attention from the start, but don’t give away too much info.

Pro Tip: Get feedback on your intro before finalizing it. Revise it as needed.

Structuring the introduction paragraph

Engage your reader with an interesting story or statistic. Then, outline your main points concisely and without jargon. Use transition phrases such as “building upon this idea” to move smoothly from hook to background. Finish off with a clear thesis statement. This will give readers a good understanding of what to expect in the article.

Developing Body Paragraphs

To develop strong body paragraphs in your IELTS essays, focus on crafting clear topic sentences and providing supporting details. Additionally, learn how to effectively present arguments and examples to strengthen your arguments. Finally, understand how to utilize cohesive devices to seamlessly connect ideas and enhance the overall coherence of your writing.

Topic sentences and supporting details

Topic Sentences and Supporting Details

Topic sentences provide the main idea of a paragraph. To explain them, it’s important to include relevant details.

To illustrate this concept, let’s look at a table. It shows how topic sentences and supporting details work together.

This shows that each topic sentence is followed by supporting details which strengthen the message.

Now let’s delve into the details about topic sentences and supporting details. They should be presented in a logical order. The details should also be relevant and specific to the main idea. By following these principles, writers can effectively convey their points while maintaining coherence.

To improve writing further, consider transitional phrases between supporting details. Also, acknowledge counterarguments within the paragraphs. This helps make it more persuasive without compromising its informative nature.

Providing arguments and examples

Let’s explore how to give strong arguments and examples. Imagine a neat table with data that supports our view. There should be columns of factual numbers to back up the argument. This visual aid is a great way to convince readers.

We also need to include details that haven’t been discussed before. These details add more to our writing, so it looks professional. By looking into lesser-known aspects, we can make our arguments better.

So why wait? Using evidence in your writing will make readers emotional. It will also make them feel like they have to join your perspective. Don’t be scared to use persuasive body paragraphs. Use evidence to make your writing stand out – make it specific to your audience’s needs and interests.

Using cohesive devices to link ideas

Cohesive devices like transitional phrases and linking words can make ideas seamlessly flow. This gives the reader a better understanding of the writer’s thoughts.

A unique way of using them is to introduce examples and supporting evidence in a paragraph. This helps arguments by giving more information that reinforces the main point. “For example” or “specifically” are great phrases for linking ideas and bringing clarity.

Pro Tip: Pick the right word or phrase for the intended meaning. Think about the context of the sentence and choose a cohesive device to accurately express your message.

Crafting the Conclusion

To craft a compelling conclusion in your IELTS essays, summarize the main points, restate the thesis statement, and leave a lasting impression. Summarizing the main points helps reinforce your arguments, restating the thesis statement recaps your stance, and leaving a lasting impression ensures your essay lingers in the reader’s mind.

Summarizing the main points

Crafting a powerful conclusion is essential to leave an impression on readers. Here’s how:

• Highlight each point’s importance & impact.
• Show their connection to form a cohesive narrative.
• Explain how they contribute to the overall message.
• End with a call to action or thought-provoking final remark.

When summarizing main points in an article’s conclusion, aim for clarity and brevity while making sure your words stay with the reader even after they finish reading. Remember that readers’ perception of the article is heavily influenced by the conclusion.

Restating the thesis statement

Have you ever wanted to live a crazier life ? Let’s give it a try! Dance ’till you drop, sing at the top of your lungs, and laugh like there’s no tomorrow . Let loose and have some fun! It’ll be an adventure you won’t soon forget.

Have you ever dreamed of living a wilder life ? Let’s do it! Dance ’til you can’t move, belt out your favorite songs, and laugh with joy . Go for it and have a blast! This will be an adventure you won’t forget anytime soon.

Leaving a lasting impression

It is key to craft a lasting impression. Get to the point, use strong words and visuals. End with a call-to-action.

Customize your message to cater to the needs of your audience. Speak with the right tone and style for engagement.

Winston Churchill is a prime example of leaving a lasting impression. His speeches during World War II inspired nations. Even after his death, his words still have an impact.

To leave a lasting impression, be concise. Employ impactful words. Use visual aids. And make a call-to-action. Understand your audience. Draw inspiration from those who have come before. You can make your mark in communication.

Proofreading and Editing

To ensure high-scoring IELTS essays in the section on proofreading and editing, focus on checking for grammar and spelling errors, improving sentence structure and clarity, and ensuring coherence and cohesion. This process will help refine your writing and make it more polished and effective.

Checking for grammar and spelling errors

Proofreading and editing are essential. Checking for grammar and spelling errors boosts professionalism and increases reader comprehension.

Pay attention to sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and verb tenses to identify potential grammar mistakes. Check for run-on sentences and fragments.

For spelling errors, read the document through and use spell-check tools. But, they may not detect homophones or typos.

A great technique is to read the text aloud. It can help spot awkward phrasing and spelling mistakes. It’s a good idea to get another set of eyes to review the work too.

By following these tips, and being careful, writers can deliver accurate and high-quality work. Proofreading ensures clear communication and boosts professional credibility.

Improving sentence structure and clarity

To better your sentence structure & clarity, follow these 6 steps!

• Start with a topic sentence – clearly state the main idea.
• Use active voice instead of passive for concise writing.
• Keep sentences short & simple.
• Use transitions to connect ideas.
• Cut out wordiness.
• Revise & proofread.

Plus, vary sentence length, check subject-verb agreement, adjust tone according to context, & read aloud . Practicing these tips will help you improve your sentences.

In 1928, Virginia Woolf wrote “Orlando,” a modernist masterpiece. She disregarded traditional sentence structures & embraced a fluid style. Her success proved breaking free from conventional sentences could lead to creative & captivating writing.

Ensuring coherence and cohesion

Key aspects for ensuring coherence and cohesion:

• Transition words – help make a smooth transition between ideas and paragraphs.
• Pronouns – like ‘it’, ‘he’, ‘she’ refer back to nouns, creating continuity.
• Repetition – of words or phrases reinforces main ideas.
• Synonyms – introduce different words to avoid repetition and stay clear.
• Logical order – so readers can follow thoughts easily.

To further improve your writing:

• Read out loud – awkward sentences and gaps in flow become clear.
• Use sentence variety – simple, compound and complex sentences.
• Take breaks – get fresh perspectives on improvement areas.
• Get feedback – let peers or professionals help with coherence and cohesion.

These suggestions help readers follow ideas without confusion. They create clear connections and a seamless experience.

Practice and Tips for Success

To improve your performance in IELTS essays, utilize the ‘Practice and Tips for Success’ section. Discover effective strategies to ace the exam by engaging in exercises such as practicing with sample essay questions, managing time effectively, and seeking feedback for continuous improvement.

Practicing with sample essay questions

Analyze the prompt. Read it carefully and identify the key words or phrases that define the topic. Grasping the prompt helps form a focused thesis statement.

Research and gather info. Do thorough research to gather pertinent facts from reliable sources. Make notes and organize them based on arguments or counterarguments.

Plan your essay. Put together an outline or structure before you start writing. This ensures coherence and logical progression of ideas.

Write a draft. Use the notes and outline as a guide and begin writing your essay. Focus on presenting arguments, proving them, and demonstrating analytical skills.

Review and revise. After completing your draft, review it for clarity, coherence, grammar, and punctuation errors. Make the needed changes to strengthen your essay’s content and flow.

Time management is essential when attempting practice essays to prepare for real exams. Practice with sample essay questions to sharpen your writing, build confidence, and improve future performance.

Notable figures like authors, scholars, and professionals have honed their writing skills by regularly engaging in practice with sample essay questions. This has not only boosted their ability to effectively express thoughts, but also has helped them comprehend different perspectives on multiple topics.

Managing time effectively

Don’t let missed opportunities haunt you! Take control of your time and reap the rewards. To maximize your potential for success, start implementing these techniques now:

• Prioritize tasks. Identify most important ones first . This ensures time is spent on activities that have the greatest impact.
• Set goals. Establish clear goals for each day or week . This provides you with a sense of direction and purpose.
• Create a schedule. Develop a daily or weekly outline that blocks off time for different activities. This helps you allocate time efficiently and prevents procrastination.
• Avoid multitasking. Studies show this decreases productivity. Focus on one task at a time to ensure quality work.

Productivity tools such as task management apps or timers can help. Also, practice self-discipline, and eliminate distractions such as notifications or find a quiet workspace. This enhances focus and concentration. Commit to these strategies consistently and experience benefits like more tasks accomplished within deadlines, and reduced stress levels.

Seeking feedback and improvement

Actively search for feedback from mentors, colleagues, and supervisors . Accept criticism as a chance for progress, not personally. Ask for feedback on a project or performance, to get helpful feedback. Take the time to think about feedback and pick out what you can do to improve. Even with positive feedback, keep searching for ways to develop.

Remember, requesting feedback needs openness and humility . Showing you want to learn is a sign of growth.

Pro Tip: Listen closely to feedback, rather than defending yourself. This will help you understand the point of view and make improvements.

We have reached the end of our step-by-step guide for writing high-scoring IELTS essays . Reflecting on the key points covered, we explored strategies and techniques to improve your essay writing. Understanding the marking criteria, managing time, building strong arguments, structuring essays – these are all necessary tools for success. To craft a strong essay, use relevant examples from academic journals, news outlets, and official reports. Demonstrate critical thinking by analyzing perspectives on a topic. Also, ensure that your ideas flow logically, using transition words and phrases. Diverse vocabulary and sentence structures will show off your language proficiency and engage the reader.

It is important to note that practice is key to success in the IELTS exam . Practice planning, drafting, and editing essays within timed conditions to improve your writing. Dedication, practice, and understanding of the strategies discussed in this article will help you to achieve higher scores . According to The British Council (2020) , candidates who implement these techniques are more likely to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 1: What is the key to writing high-scoring IELTS essays? The key to writing high-scoring IELTS essays is to clearly understand the essay question, plan your response, and structure your essay effectively. Additionally, make sure to use a wide range of vocabulary, demonstrate strong grammar skills, and provide evidence and examples to support your ideas.

FAQ 2: How can I improve my vocabulary for IELTS essays? You can improve your vocabulary for IELTS essays by reading extensively, especially from reputable sources such as newspapers, books, and academic articles. Make a note of unfamiliar words and their meanings, and try to use them in your own writing. Additionally, using vocabulary learning resources such as flashcards or vocabulary apps can be helpful.

FAQ 3: Are there any specific essay structures I should follow? Yes, there are several essay structures you can follow, depending on the type of essay question. The most common structures include the Introduction-Body-Conclusion structure and the Pros and Cons structure. It is important to choose a structure that suits the essay question and helps you present your ideas logically.

FAQ 4: How can I improve my grammar skills for IELTS essays? To improve your grammar skills for IELTS essays, practice writing regularly and seek feedback from native English speakers or qualified English language teachers. You can also use grammar reference books or online resources to learn about specific grammar rules and common errors. Take note of your frequent errors and work on them systematically.

FAQ 5: How long should an IELTS essay be? An IELTS essay should be between 250 and 300 words long. Writing within this word limit ensures that you have enough time to develop your ideas and demonstrate your English language proficiency. It is important to manage your time effectively during the exam to allocate enough time for planning, writing, and reviewing your essay.

FAQ 6: How can I practice for writing high-scoring IELTS essays? You can practice for writing high-scoring IELTS essays by practicing timed writing tasks using past IELTS essay questions. Familiarize yourself with the assessment criteria, and self-evaluate your essays. Additionally, seek feedback from experienced IELTS instructors or professional essay evaluators to identify areas for improvement and learn effective strategies.

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Different Types of IELTS Essays

Learn the different types of essay questions in the IELTS test, so that you can respond better to the questions and structure your essays better. This will increase your score for task response and cohesion and coherence.

I have six different structures to fit the six different types of questions that you’re likely to encounter in your IELTS writing test. You need to learn how to identify and respond to these different types of questions in order to have an ideal response and essay structure. You should visit my website and learn all of these and read my model answer in order to fully understand how to write your essays. If you would like to challenge yourself further you can do the homework tasks to check your understanding and receive feedback on the score you’re likely to receive and how to increase it. Please see the following essay types on my website:

𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘆

Get your homework corrected to find out the band score and how to increase it.

23 thoughts on “Different Types of IELTS Essays”

My gratitude to you for all you have done for many years with your dedication and real commitment to help and support your students. ❤⚘

Thanks Cyrus. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment.

Thank you,Cyrus! Your video really helps me in writing part! I appreciate your outline , it is completely clear . \

Not sure who Cyrus is!

Maybe Cyrus is my AI assistant!

In IELTS essays when we have an opinion like “somewhat agree” … When we go on to the reasons why we disagree… We are making a concession. Essentially we are conceding that there is another side to the argument.  So this occurs in your 3rd paragraph of task 7 when you start to mention the value of technology.

I’m not a big fan of concessions… On the whole most people don’t write them well and it lowers their score. So on the whole against concessions for this reason… But let me now make a concession against this. However,  If someone is able to write them well it could result in a higher score and it could be something that help someone get to 8 or 9 for task response.

If you must get to 8 you can consider writing them. You can also consider writing them for practice. But for someone who only need 7 I would only be writing a concession if I could not think of 2 reasons to totally agree or disagree… In this situation you might have to have one reason to agree ond one reason to disagree

Hi Mike, I am really suffering with variety of vocabulary for writing essay, can you guide which exact sourse i can use for essays.

For most writers, the main issue is getting the structure and response right. I don’t have much on vocabulary, you can read my model answers and you can look here: https://www.ieltsanswers.com/writing-vocabulary.html

I love your work!

For questions such as “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages” what question type is this? I felt lost when I stumbled on this question type in my last IELST for which I had a 6 in writing but 8+ in other sections, quite a bummer! Thank you!

HI. this type of essay is essentially an opinion essay… It’s asking for your opinion about whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages… Which I like to paraphrase as merits outweigh the drawbacks.

You can see a model essay I wroteto get ideas about how to structure this type of essay https://www.ieltsanswers.com/model-essays/arts-media-2.html

You can see a model essay I wrote to get ideas about how to structure this type of essay https://www.ieltsanswers.com/model-essays/arts-media-2.html

Hi Mike, Can you suggest of which type below essays are?

In some countries, secondary schools aim to provide a general education across a range of subjects. In others, children focus on a narrow range of subjects related to a particular career. For today’s world, which system is appropriate?

Many newspapers and magazines feature stories about the private lives of famous people. We know what they eat, where they buy their clothes and who they love. We also often see pictures of them in private situations. Is it appropriate for a magazine or newspaper to give this kind of private information about people?

both questions most closely for an opinion essay

https://www.ieltsanswers.com/ielts-opinion-essay.html

Hi Mike, For the below two questions do we need to take one side completely or can we take partial stand. In other words how are these different from the essay type ‘to what extant do you agree or disagree?’

1. It is better for children if the whole families are involved in the children’s upbringing, rather than their fathers and mothers only. Give your opinion?

2. Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory part of high school programs. Do you agree or disagree?

Thanks, Rajendra

All three questions are essentially asking the same thing. the only real difference is that “to what extent do you agree or disagree” requires that you not only say whether you agree or disagree but also how much. With the other two questions, you don’t necessarily have to say how much you agree or disagree, but I would still recommend it because it makes for a clearer opinion. You can see how I write this type of essay here: https://www.ieltsanswers.com/ielts-opinion-essay.html

I think side 2 in the (Both sides+opinion) should be disadvantages

Thanks for your help. You are correct and I have fixed this!

I am student from Afghanistan , I would really like to take IELTS . I need your kindness help . Please give me a hand for passing this exams. I will appreciate respectfully. Karimi.

Please see the link below about preparing for your test https://www.ieltsanswers.com/preparing-ielts-test.html

Dear Mike , Could you please point out what task type is (is this negative or positive development) ? and what structure should be followed in response to that kind of questions? Thanks

Hi Mohamad, it is an opinion essay . introduction = rephrase the topic and state whether it is positive or negative reason 1 it is positive or negative reason 2 it is positive or negative conclusion = restate your opinion and summarise the reasons from the body https://www.ieltsanswers.com/ielts-opinion-essay.html

Hi Mr. Mike, Could you please tell me what is the type of those questions because I am confused 1) do you think this is more advantageous or more disadvantageous ? 2)do you think it has more positive or negative effects? is this an opinion essay or discussion+ opinion

Sara, I suggest you 1. write using an opinion format 2. write in 3rd person and not 1st “I believe the merits outweigh the drawbacks” = “the merits outweigh the drawbacks”

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About Mike I’m Mike Wattie from Australia. I have been teaching IELTS for over 20 years in Asia and Australia.

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Maybe you would like me to teach you the necessary skills and strategies to pass your test.

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IELTS Essays : Five Types of IELTS Essays

by CANAM Group

• By: CANAM Group
• Updated On: May 25,2023 05:27 PM IST

The IELTS exam’s writing module’s writing task 2 consists of writing an essay. This blog first discusses a general essay structure, then moves on to present five different types of essays. The blog also gives out how to write each essay type with a sample answer for one of the essay types.

Table of Contents

• • IELTS Essay – Different Types of Essays
• • Opinion – Agree/Disagree Type
• • Advantages/Disadvantages Type
• • Problem and Solution Type
• • Discussion Type – Discuss both views
• • Two-Part Question Type

Understanding the proper essay format for IELTS Writing Task 2 is a crucial ability that might mean the difference between receiving the band score you merit or not. In light of this, we have included below the most typical IELTS Writing Task 2 structures.

Almost all of my Task 2 essays have the following general structure:

Introduction

Main Body Paragraph 1

Main Body Paragraph 2

Depending on the type of question you are asked, you will use different sentences in each paragraph.

IELTS Essay – Different Types of Essays

The five IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are as follows:

1.Opinion – Agree/Disagree Type

2.Advantages/Disadvantages Type

3.Problem and Solution Type

4.Discussion Type – Discuss both views

5.Two-Part Question Type

I'll provide samples and a format for each type of question that has been endorsed by knowledgeable IELTS tutors and examiners below. Your IELTS band score should increase as a result of your ability to produce a concise, well-organized response. Please be aware that depending on the question, there are broad structures and these may change slightly.

Also read: IELTS Exam type

Opinion – Agree/Disagree Type

Common Question Words:

1.Do you agree or disagree?

2.To what extent do you agree or disagree?

3.What is your opinion?

Sample Question Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory in high school programs (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).

Do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Essay Structure for this Type

1.Paraphrase the question

2.Express your viewpoint and list the main ideas.

1.Topic Sentence

2.Elaborate upon the topic sentence

3.Give a relevant example

Summarize the main ideas and give your opinion

Sample Answer

It is believed that volunteering ought to be taught in schools. This essay wholeheartedly concurs with that recommendation because it aids students in acquiring crucial work experience while also helping them build soft skills.

Education should not only focus on academic subjects; students should also learn life skills like teamwork, empathy, and self-discipline. Community service is one of the finest ways to develop these talents. Serving those less fortunate than ourselves teaches us numerous lessons, like the importance of hard work and how to work with others from different backgrounds, allowing us to develop these qualities before we become adults. To boost their appreciation for what they have and to strengthen their work ethic, many young people from wealthy nations, for instance, take a year off from school to volunteer with those who are less fortunate than themselves.

These kinds of experiences are increasingly sought after by many institutions and employers. Since most graduates have similar grades, volunteering can help you stand out when applying to colleges compared to other students. For instance, Cambridge and Oxford only accept a small portion of the hundreds of applications from straight-A students each year. What you have accomplished outside of the classroom frequently sets you apart from the competition and secures you that desired position.

In conclusion, teens should be required to perform unpaid work as part of their education since doing so would enable them to obtain skills and knowledge that they might not otherwise learn from their teachers and will increase their likelihood of enrolling in third-level institutions.

Also read: IELTS Exam dates

Advantages/Disadvantages Type

Common Essay Words

1.What are the advantages and disadvantages?

2.Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Sample Question

Technology is being used more and more in education.

2.Write main ideas

Summarize the main ideas

Also read : IELTS Test Centers

Problem and Solution Type

Common question words

1.Cause and Solution

2.Problem and Solution

Students are becoming more and more reliant on technology.

What are some of the problems associated with reliance on computers, and what are some of the possible solutions?

2.Give an outline sentence

3.Write a relevant example

3.Site a relevant example

Summarize the main point

Also read: IELTS Exam fee

Discussion Type – Discuss both views

Discuss both points of view and give your opinion

Technology is being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.

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

1.Paraphrase the statement or write both views

2.Write thesis statement

3.Give an outline sentence

4.Main Body Paragraph 1

Write the first viewpoint

1.Discuss this viewpoint

2.Give reasons why you agree or disagree with this first viewpoint

3.Write a relevant example to support this viewpoint

4.Main Body Paragraph 2

Write the second viewpoint

2.Give reasons why you agree or disagree with this viewpoint

4.Conclusion

Summarize the essay

Write which viewpoint is better or more important

Also read : IELTS Exam Registration

Two-Part Question Type

Typically, they will make a remark and then ask you to respond to specific questions.

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual well-being.

What factor contributes to job satisfaction?

How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

IELTS Essay structure for this Type

2.Give an outline sentence stating both the questions

1.Write an answer to the first question

2.Explain the reason for the first question

3.Elaborate upon the first question further

4.Write an example

1.Write an answer to the second question

2.Explain the reason for your answer

3.Elaborate upon the second question further

4.Write a relevant example

The quality of your language and vocabulary as well as how well you respond to the question will determine your grade for the IELTS essay. Your score for coherence and cohesion will go up if you have a solid framework, but you must use relevant ideas and use them effectively to respond to the question.

Also read : IELTS Exam pattern

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Grammar for IELTS Essay Writing Task 2

• GT Task 1 Letter
• Academic Task 1 Report
• Essay task 2

IELTS writing task 1 and task 2 in the IELTS use the same scoring criteria. However, task 2, which is an essay, requires a minimum of 250 words and carries more marks than writing task 1. It also allows more opportunities for using a wide range of grammatical structures.

Table of Contents

1.2 compound, 1.3 complex.

• Conditionals
• Relative pronouns
• Adverbial Phrases
• Punctuation
• Gerunds and Infinitives
• Subject-verb agreement
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample
• 10.1 Suggested Structures for Various Essay Types

10.2 How to Give Opinion

10.3 how to list advantages and disadvantages, 10.4 how to express problem and solutions, 10.5 how to make a comparison, 1. sentence structures.

Using a variety of sentence structures is crucial if you want to get a high band score. This doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to only incorporating complex sentences, but rather a combination of simple and compound sentences as well.

Contains one independent clause.

Example: Traffic has become a big problem in the city.

Contains two independent clauses joined with a coordinating conjunction. Remember to always use a comma before coordinating conjunctions when joining two independent clauses together

Example: Traffic has become a big problem in the city, so it is time the community finds a solution.

Contains a dependent clause and a subordinating conjunction.

Example: Traffic has become a big problem in the city because of the increase in the number of cars on the road.

2. Conditionals

Conditional sentences might not be suitable for all essays, but whenever you can use them, you should, as they are an excellent way of including more advanced sentence structures.

Familiarise yourself with the structures of conditionals:

• 1st conditional: If + present simple, will
• 2nd conditional: If + past simple, would
• 3rd conditional: If + past perfect, would have

Example: In my opinion, if the entire world worked together, climate change would no longer be a problem.

3. Relative pronouns

Using relative pronouns to create more complex sentences and add information is essential if you’re aiming for a high band score.

Relative pronouns ( like which, where, when, whose, who, and that ) modify nouns.

If the information added is crucial to the meaning of the sentence, you don’t have to use commas. However, if it’s not important, you can place it between commas.

Example: Governments play a crucial role in shaping environmental policies, which are increasingly seen as essential for sustainable development.”

4. Adverbial Phrases

This is an excellent way to add more information to your simple sentences. These are phrases that can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to provide information on time, place, manner, or frequency.

Don’t forget to place a comma after the adverbial phrase.

Example: In developing countries, access to clean water remains a big issue.

5. Punctuation

The comma is the punctuation symbol that gets overused or misused most often.

Avoid writing unnecessarily long sentences and make use of conjunctions.

When should you use a comma?

• Place a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, so, or nor, for) to join two complete ideas (independent clauses).
• Use a comma after a phrase or clause that introduces a sentence, signalling the end of the introductory part and the beginning of the main clause.
• Use commas when separating each item in a series of three or more items that have the same function and form in a sentence.
• Enclose clauses that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence (nonrestrictive clauses). These clauses can begin with relative pronouns like who, whom, whose, that, and which.

6. Gerunds and Infinitives

Gerunds are verbs ending with -ing that function as nouns in sentences.

Example: Creating a plan to improve waste management is a crucial step to ensuring you succeed.

Infinites are the base of the verb with “to” in front.

Example: The community refuses to give up.

7. Subject-verb agreement

This is a fundamental rule in IELTS writing. If the subject in the sentence is singular, the verb has to be as well. To master this, you need to be able to differentiate between singular and plural nouns.

“A group of people” is often mistaken for plural. However, saying “the group” makes it singular.

Example: The government has implemented new laws.

All tenses must be used accurately within this essay to ensure your meaning is clear. On top of this, you’ll need to incorporate a variety of tense structures to obtain a high band score for grammatical range and accuracy.

The most common tense to use in an IELTS essay is the present simple tense. This is because you’ll mostly be stating facts in the essay.

Example: Pollution is a massive issue in big cities.

You can also incorporate the future tense if you want to make predictions.

Example: By 2050, renewable energy sources will hopefully replace most fossil fuels.

The past tense should be used when discussing past events. When stating a specific date in the past, you’ll make use of the past simple tense.

Example: About 50 years ago, people didn’t understand the need to recycle.

9. IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample

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

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

10. Types of Essays in Task 2

• Advantages Disadvantages
• Problem Solution
• Double question

The grammar rules stay the same,  regardless of the essay type, yet there are some sentence structures we’d recommend using to express your opinion, etc.

10.1. Suggested Structures for Various Essay Types

Let’s delve into 4 complex sentence structures you can use in your introduction for

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?

Suggested Structure: Other view + Opinion

Example: Even though some people might think that spending money on protecting endangered species is a waste of money, I believe that it’s essential for people to do everything they can to stop species from going extinct.

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?

Suggested Structure: Not only + but also

Example: Not only does studying abroad improve a student’s communication skills, but it also creates independence as they learn to navigate life away from home.

One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion What do you think the causes are?

What solutions can you suggest?

Suggested Structure: Both + ___ + ___ contribute to

Examples: Both overpopulation and a lack of roads contribute to the overall congestion of traffic in the city.

Suggested Structure: While ____ + also

Example: While expanding the metro can help address the issue, the city also needs to create plans to build more roads in te future.

Suggested Structure:  It is argued by some + whereas

Example: It is argued by some that environmental issues should be solved on a global scale, whereas others feel that they are best dealt with nationally.

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7 Steps to Structuring an IELTS Task 2 Essay

Posted by David S. Wills | Apr 6, 2020 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 0

In this week’s article, I want to show you how to structure an IELTS writing task 2 essay. I’ve written about this many times in the past, but today I want to show you a simple, 7-step approach that can guide you to the perfect essay.

First of all, I want to mention that there are lots of ways to write an amazing essay. There are also 5 different kinds of question, hundreds of topics, and lots of different combinations. This means that you cannot just memorise an answer or even memorise a structure. You can learn about that in my IELTS books :

However, this article will give you a guide to writing a great essay structure by logically sequencing your ideas. This can help you to score highly for Coherence and Cohesion, which is worth 25% of your writing score.

IELTS Essay Structure: The Basics

Before we begin with the 7 steps, I would like to give you a short overview. Writing an IELTS essay requires many skills and you have a lot of different criteria to meet in order to get a band 7 or above. Your essay will be judged in four ways, each accounting for 25% of the total score:

• Task Achievement
• Coherence and Cohesion
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy

When thinking about structuring an essay, we are essentially talking about Coherence and Cohesion . Being able to produce a strong structure with logically sequenced ideas will give you a good chance of a high score in this section.

There are lots of different approaches, but most IELTS trainers agree that a four-paragraph structure is the best approach, with five paragraphs sometimes being appropriate. [ Read about 4 vs 5 paragraphs ] You should aim to divide your ideas sensibly and then build them in order to support your thesis or explain the issues as necessary.

Today, the steps that I will describe for you are as follows:

• Analyse the Question
• Brainstorm Ideas
• Plan your Overall Structure
• Plan your Internal Paragraph Structure
• Write a Strong Introduction
• Link your Sentences
• Write a Good Conclusion

1. Analyse the Question

Every IELTS question is different and so it is really important that you read it carefully in order to understand it fully. If you just read it quickly, you might get the wrong idea. It is natural for our brains to see a word and jump to a conclusion. For example, a question that mentions climate change might really be asking about solutions to fossil fuel emissions rather than the consequences of global warming. If you don’t understand the question, you cannot write a good answer.

Before you begin brainstorming , read the question at least twice. Let’s look at an example:

Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the only way to make people recycle more is to make it a legal requirement. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

When you first look at this question, your eyes will be drawn to keywords like “waste” and “recycle.” That is good, but we need to understand the full sentence. What sort of waste are we talking about? Waste from homes . What does “legal requirement” mean? It means make it a law .

You will always see a statement of some sort above and then the question below. Once you understand the statement, you should read the question. In this case, the question is “To what extent do you agree…?”

Therefore, you need to choose a position ( agree/disagree ) and then write an essay that explains your position.

Note: Some IELTS candidates believe that you have to give a balanced viewpoint. This is not necessarily true. You can read about it in this article .

2. Brainstorm Ideas

Once you understand the question, you can begin to think of ideas to use in your essay. My biggest piece of advice here is: DON’T CHOOSE TOO MANY IDEAS!!

Seriously, it is not helpful to use lots of different ideas or examples in your essay. Yes, this might help you reach 250 words easily, but your essay will definitely get a low score for Coherence and Cohesion (and possibly Task Achievement) because it will not be well organized and probably will lack sufficient development of ideas.

I encourage my writing students to follow the idea of ONE PARAGRAPH, ONE IDEA. In some essay types, this is easy. For example, in an advantages/disadvantages essay , you can just devote one body paragraph to advantages and the other to disadvantages. Simple!

However, in other types of essay, you might find it harder. With agree/disagree essays, you might have two reasons why you agree. In this case, you just put one reason in each body paragraph.

Let’s brainstorm now.

Personally, I agree that laws should be passed that require people to recycle their household waste. Therefore, I would consider the following ideas:

Those are just some ideas. Sometimes you will struggle to think of even two ideas and sometimes you will easily think of five or six. The important thing, though, is to choose the most important ones. Think about what would make the most convincing argument.

3. Plan your Overall Structure

By “overall structure,” I mean your basic paragraph plan. Every IELTS writing task 2 essay should have an introduction and conclusion , and at least two body paragraphs. This is the standard essay format and I highly recommend that you practice with it. Essays that have lots of paragraphs are usually a mess and will receive low scores for Coherence and Cohesion.

I want to write an advanced essay that will score band 9, so I am going to use an interesting structure that will allow me to show off my essay-writing skills. My first body paragraph will look at opposing viewpoints and then refute them, before the second body paragraph concisely states why we do need laws that make people recycle.  

For this essay, my overall structure would look like this:

This is a pretty simple and flexible paragraph structure. I highly recommend that you use it because once you become comfortable with it, you can really adapt it a lot. Even though it is basic and you can use it for scoring band 6, you can also use this structure for band 9 essays.

The reason is that you can vary the content of your body paragraphs greatly. Here, I have tried to give balance to the argument, even though I agree with one side – the need for laws. However, rather than simply state two compelling reasons, I will first dismiss the counter-arguments and then give an argument in favour of my viewpoint.

4. Plan your Internal Paragraph Structure

This is the most difficult part of structuring an essay and it is the reason why most people struggle to get a high score for Coherence and Cohesion.

It is really, really important for IELTS writing that your ideas are sequenced logically. That means they go from one idea to the next in a logical way. Look at these two example passages. One contains a logical flow of ideas and the other does not. Can you tell which is which?

• The case in favour of laws mandating recycling is simple and irrefutable. These laws would ensure that a far higher amount of household waste is recycled, thereby reducing the amount of pollution that goes into our environment. People cannot be trusted to do this for themselves, and the evidence exists in the places where environmental laws are strictly enforced, compared to those where they are non-existent, or weakly enforced.
• These laws would ensure that a far higher amount of household waste is recycled, thereby reducing the amount of pollution that goes into our environment. People cannot be trusted to do this for themselves, and the evidence exists in the places where environmental laws are strictly enforced, compared to those where they are non-existent, or weakly enforced. The case in favour of laws mandating recycling is simple and irrefutable.

Which one is correct? Answer: #1.

In this answer, I began with a topic sentence . This is a sentence that introduces an idea. I then explained that idea in more detail. Finally, I added another sentence that built upon the previous two. Both the second and third sentences supported the first. When you put them in the wrong order, they make no sense.

Finally, notice that I used certain words to refer back to previous ideas: these laws , do this .

5. Write a Strong Introduction

It’s really important with any kind of writing to give a strong introduction. This grabs your reader’s attention but also tells them what to expect from your writing. If an examiner reads a really terrible introduction, they will think that your body paragraphs are likely to be very bad, too.

As such, it is important that you devote a little time to writing an excellent intro.

What does that involve?

I recommend that people generally write a three-sentence introduction. (However, remember that there is no one perfect way to write an essay and so there are other good possibilities.)

I suggest this:

• General statement that addresses the topic.
• Slightly more specific statement that relates wider topic to specific question.
• A sentence that shows essay intention or overview. (This is often called an outline sentence .)

For the above question, I would write an introduction like this:

Pollution remains a significant problem all around the world and this is causing people to debate possible solutions. One such solution is for governments to impose laws requiring citizens to recycle certain kinds of waste from their homes. This essay will argue that environmental laws are essential to reducing waste and thereby saving the planet.

Let’s look at how those sentences are structured:

• A very general statement: pollution is a problem; people discuss solutions.
• More specific statement: introduce potential solution with simple detail
• Essay statement: state that laws are essential for solving problem

6. Link your Sentences

Next, you are going to need to write the body paragraphs. With your essay structure already written, it should not be too hard to do this. You need to follow a simple but effective internal paragraph structure that develops and supports each idea.

When you do this, it is important that you link your sentences. Now, if you have a good enough structure, your sentences will already be linked. That is because your ideas will flow naturally from one to the next.

As you will know, it is possible to use “ cohesive devices ” (also called transitional or linking words/phrases etc). These include words and phrases like: however, therefore, next, after that, meanwhile, on the other hand . They are very useful and help guide your reader, but you should not overuse them or it will make your writing weak.

Let’s look at my third paragraph as an example.

The case in favour of laws mandating recycling is simple and irrefutable. These laws would ensure that a far higher amount of household waste is recycled, thereby reducing the amount of pollution that goes into our environment. People cannot be trusted to do this for themselves, and the evidence exists in the places where environmental laws are strictly enforced, compared to those where they are non-existent, or weakly enforced. In the United Kingdom, people are required to recycle most of their household waste, and the environment is far cleaner than other countries, such as China, where people can throw any trash away without consequences.

How many cohesive devices did I use?

None. My sentences were already well-organized, so I did not need to use any.

You can read all about not using too many cohesive devices here .

7. Write a Good Conclusion

Finally, you must finish all your IELTS writing task 2 essays with a conclusion . This means a final paragraph that summarizes everything you have said so far and then references your key ideas. This can be either one or two sentences, but don’t write much more than that.

A conclusion will also differ according to the question type. Some might require you to make a suggestion or state an opinion, while others will really just require you to summarize you have said.

It is a pretty good idea to follow a structure like this:

• Paraphrase your main idea.
• Re-state your main arguments.

For example, here is my conclusion from the above question:

In conclusion, laws are absolutely essential to ensure that people recycle their household waste. Without such laws, very few people would actually go to the trouble of recycling; however, if governments enforce these laws, almost everyone would have to comply.

In this conclusion, the first sentence paraphrases my main idea (laws are necessary) and the second sentence re-states my main arguments (people would not recycle without laws; laws make people recycle).

Note that I have avoided repeating myself. In these two lines, I have simply referred to my previous arguments but I have not copied the things I already said. I have used new language for it.

Sample Band 9 Answer

Next, I will show you my answer for this question. Remember that this is just one possible answer. There are other ways to write a band 9 score. However, I do think that this is the best way because it is easy to learn and apply to your own essays. I recommend that you download the essay as a Microsoft Word (.docx) file because I have annotated it fully. You can see a clear explanation of what purpose each sentence has.

Sample Answer

Pollution remains a significant problem all around the world and this is causing people to debate possible solutions. One such solution is for governments to impose laws requiring citizens to recycle certain kinds of waste from their homes. This essay will argue that environmental laws are essential to reducing waste and thereby saving the planet. The case against laws imposing mandatory recycling revolve around the notion that people can learn to recycle by themselves, and this is true to an extent. With the improvement of education, people typically litter less and recycle more. However, our planet is presently in the grips of environmental catastrophe and it would take several generations for people to make changes to their lives. It is also sometimes argued that poor people cannot afford to make the sacrifice necessary to use less plastic and switch to sustainable products, and it is therefore unfair to punish them. However, mandatory recycling would not require people to immediately give up plastics; instead, they would simply be required to dispose of them in an ethical manner at a government-run recycling facility. The case in favour of laws mandating recycling is simple and irrefutable. These laws would ensure that a far higher amount of household waste is recycled, thereby reducing the amount of pollution that goes into our environment. People cannot be trusted to do this for themselves, and the evidence exists in the places where environmental laws are strictly enforced, compared to those where they are non-existent, or weakly enforced. In the United Kingdom, people are required to recycle most of their household waste, and the environment is far cleaner than other countries, such as China, where people can throw any trash away without consequences. In conclusion, laws are absolutely essential to ensure that people recycle their household waste. Without such laws, very few people would actually go to the trouble of recycling; however, if governments enforce these laws, almost everyone would have to comply.

You can download a copy of that sample essay here . This will allow you to see all of my annotations like this:

Improving your Writing Skills

If you really want to get better at IELTS writing, the best way is to have an expert check your work. People who use my writing correction service find that they can quickly identify their mistakes and improve their overall IELTS score.

E-mail me at david [at] ted-ielts [dot] com to find out more, or check the above link.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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Five Types of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 with Samples

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We will discuss about 5 types of essay in IELTS for writing task 2 and get into the details of each task type so that you can understand thoroughly and get tips for success in writing.

Table of Contents

What Are the Types of Essays in IELTS Writing Task 2?

• Sample of Opinion Essay 

Sample of Discussion Essay

Sample of problem solution essay, sample of advantages and disadvantages essay, sample of double question essays.

The IELTS writing task 2 tests the essay writing skills of the students. There are 5 different types of essay in IELTS which a student can be asked to write. Therefore, before appearing for the test, the candidates should practice all of them and learn about their structure and writing style. Here, we will discuss different essays and there aspects and give you a clear insight into writing a perfect essay to successfully complete your test and get an 8+ band score. Thus, let's get started and explore the types of essays.

For the IELTS writing task 2, you must learn 5 different IELTS essay types that are commonly asked from the aspirants. These are - 

1. Opinion Essay

2. Discussion Essay 

3. Problem-Solution Essay 

4. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay 

5. Double Question Essay

It is highly important for the students to carefully read and understand the essay question to find out the type of essay they have to write. Each essay has a specific structure and approach. Therefore, you must practice all the types of Essay in IELTS to enhance your ability to handle different task types effectively. Let us have a look at all the 5 types of essays in detail.

Also known as agree/disagree essay or argumentative essay. An opinion essay assesses your ability to present a clear stance on an issue, support it with relevant examples, and provide a well-structured argument. Opinion essays are an integral part of the IELTS exam pattern . In this type of essay, you have to present and support your opinion on a given topic. You must provide relevant examples and evidences to support your argument. Now, we will discuss the structure of an opinion essay. 

The structure of an opinion essay is as follows:

• Introduction
• Paraphrase the essay topic or question.
• Write the thesis statement and clearly state your opinion.
• Body Paragraphs
• There can be 2 or 3 body paragraphs depending on the question.
• Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence. It should give a main supporting point.
• Provide examples, evidence, or personal experiences to support each point.
• Explain your ideas, explaining their relevance to the topic.
• Summarize the main points.
• Restate your opinion.
• Remember you do not have to give any new information.

Sample of Opinion Essay 

Q. Do you agree or disagree with the statement that technology has made our lives better? 

INTRODUCTION 

Technology has become an integral part of our lives. According to me, it has impacted us in many ways and also significantly improved our overall well-being.

BODY PARAGRAPH 1

One of the main reasons for supporting this view is that technology has brought a lot of convenience to our daily activities. For example, after the arrival of smartphones people are able to communicate more effectively with each other. They have made the world a smaller place where we can stay connected and share our feelings and information through texts, images and videos in no time.

BODY PARAGRAPH 2

With the advent of technology, there have been revolutionary changes in the fields of medicine and healthcare, leading to improved diagnostics and life-saving treatments. New machines and instruments have been introduced based on artificial technology, which has increased the quality and length of our lives.

In conclusion, I must say that although there may be some drawbacks to technological advancements, but it has powerful impact on our communication system and healthcare services. Therefore, if we are looking for a better future, we must embrace technology and focus on the positive aspects of it.

• You must express your opinion in clear words such that your stance on the topic is apparent to the examiner.
• You have to support your opinion by providing real-life examples or scenarios in this IELTS task 2 essay types. This adds credibility to your argument.
• If there are opposing views, pay attention to them in a brief manner such as to strengthen your overall argument.
• You must stay focused on the topic and make sure that all the paragraphs are directly related to the essay topic.
• You should use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures to showcase your language proficiency.

You must practice a lot to master opinion essays. You should regularly write on different topics so that you become familiar with various questions and also comfortable with the structure of different types of IELTS Writing Task 2. Now, let us move on to the discussion essay.

2. Discussion Essay

In a discussion essay, you have to discuss the pros and cons of the given subject. It aims at providing a balanced view and shows how well you can handle multiple perspectives. In other words, you have to discuss both sides of an issue or topic before presenting your opinion. Here you have to discuss the pros and cons of the given topic maintaining a balance. If you are baffling by this, joining online IELTS classes is the best option.

The structure for an ideal discussion essay is as follows:

• Provide a general statement about the topic in the beginning.
• Give some background information.
• Inform them that you will discuss both sides of the issue.
• Support your points with examples or evidence.
• Present your ideas in a balanced way, giving equal attention to both aspects.
• Summarize the main points made in the essay.
• Again, talk about the fact that both sides of the issue were discussed.
• Give your final thoughts about the topic.

Q. Online learning has become increasingly popular in recent years. Discuss about the advantages and disadvantages to this approach.

Online learning provides a flexible and easy alternative to classroom education. A lot of students are adopting this approach in last few years such as online IELTS classes. On the one hand, this approach has a number of advantages while on the other there are various challenges which need careful consideration.

Looking at the brighter side of online learning, we can say that online learning provides students with the flexibility to choose when and where they study. Students who have busy schedules or are both studying and working at the same time are most benefited by this. Also, the students can access a vast array of resources, including video lectures, interactive quizzes, and discussion forums through online education. Another advantage is cost-effectiveness. Online courses often cost less than traditional classroom-based courses, as the expenses related to travel, accommodation, and physical materials are not required.

On the other side, one of the main drawbacks of online learning is the lack of face-to-face interaction with teachers and classmates. This will have an adverse effect on the ability to communicate and social skills. Another drawback is dependency on technology. It requires a reliable internet connection and technological proficiency. Those who don't have access to these are not able to participate completely. Also, students have to be self-motivated and self-disciplined as they study independently.

In conclusion, while online learning offers flexibility and easy access to resources, there are some downsides also, like limited interpersonal engagement and technical challenges. In order to get the most out of online learning experience, one must keep a balance and tackle the challenges carefully. 

• You must provide a fair and balanced discussion of both sides of the issue.
• You have to clearly separate paragraphs for each aspect,e. the pros and cons of the discussion.
• Always use specific examples and evidence to strengthen your points.
• You must make sure to express your own opinion but at the end of the essay.
• You should stay focused on the topic and avoid other issues.

Mastering discussion essays needs a lot of practice. To become at ease with the structure and style of these essays you have to regularly write on different topics of discussion essays. Next, we are going to discuss another types of IELTS writing task 2, i.e. problem solution essays.

Are you confused between different essays for IELTS?

3. problem solution essay.

Also referred to as a ‘causes and solutions’ essay, a problem-solution essay talks about a problem and also gives possible solutions. In this, you have to convince the reader that the solutions you are providing are feasible. Thus, to write this IELTS Task 2 Essay Types, you have to identify a problem, discuss its causes and effects, and give possible solutions. To do this, you must evaluate the problem accurately.

• Give an introduction to the problem in brief.
• Provide some background information.
• Give a thesis statement with a hint of proposed solutions.
• In each paragraph, describe the problem in detail, along with its causes and consequences.
• Provide realistic solutions along with examples, evidences, and expert opinions.
• Talk about the importance of solving the problem.

Q. The problem of pollution is widespread in urban areas. What are the problems associated with it and what are the possible solutions?

Today, the whole world is facing the problem of air pollution, especially in urban areas. Due to the tremendous increase in traffic and industrialization, the air has become highly contaminated. As a result, it is not only affecting our health but also causing adverse affect to the environment. This will aim at exploring solutions to this problem.

One of the major causes of air pollution is vehicles. A probable solution to this can be the use of more and more public transport instead of private vehicles. We must increase the availability of buses and trains and motivate people to use them so that the traffic on roads can be reduced leading to reduction in air pollution. Also, the introduction of electronic vehicles can solve the problem to some extent.

The pollution coming out from industries also contributes to air pollution. To control this, government has to take strict action and set standards for industrial emissions and imposition of penalties. This will help in keeping the air clean and also motivate and guide the industries to adopt green practices.

In conclusion, although air pollution is a big challenge but there are practical solutions that can be used. By promoting the use of public transport and implementing emission control in industries, we can achieve cleaner environment in our cities. In order to achieve this, government, industries, and individuals have to work in collaboration. This will help us achieve a pollution-free future for all.

• Define the problem in clear words.
• Suggest practical solutions which can be implemented.
• Give examples and evidences to support your argument.
• Do not give too many points of problems and solutions.
• Make sure that there is a solution linked to each problem.

To successfully write a Problem Solution essay, you must clearly understand the question. On the basis of the topic, organize your ideas and write a well-structured essay. Let us now move on to another one from the various types of IELTS writing task 2, i.e.advantages and disadvantages essay.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

It is a common task in IELTS Writing Task 2 and requires you to examine both the positive and negative aspects of a particular topic. In this you get an opportunity to showcase your ability to present a balanced view on a given topic. Moreover, you have to present a well-balanced argument after analyzing the positive and negative aspects of the prompt. Thus, present a well-balanced argument

To draft an ideal advantages and disadvantages essay, you must follow the structure below:

• Give a brief introduction of the topic and provide some background information.
• Tell the reader that we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
• Body Paragraphs 1 – Advantages.
• Describe the advantage in the topic sentence.
• Give details and support with examples and reasons.
• Body Paragraphs 2 – Disadvantages.
• Describe the disadvantage in the topic sentence.
• Summarize the main points from both the advantages and disadvantages.
• Give your opinion or a balanced thought.

Q. Social media has become the part and parcel of everyone's life today. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of increased use of social media.

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. It is a primary source of connecting people throughout the world. It also provides a good platform for communication and information sharing. This essay will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of using social media.

One significant advantage of social media is the ease of communication. There are platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram enable individuals to stay connected with friends and family, no matter how far they live. This helps in reducing distances and helps in instantly connecting for any reason.

DISADVANTAGE

On the other hand, a major disadvantage is the chances of hampering the privacy of individuals. As we are sharing personal information online, there is a risk of unauthorized access and misuse. People tend to use private information during communication for wrong purpose which can have fatal consequences.

Finally, we can say that social media offers unmatched connectivity to the users. They can also share a lot of information with each other. This makes it a valuable tool of today's time. But you must be aware of the risks about your private information. Therefore, while using social media, you must learn to strike a balance between enjoying its benefits and avoiding the drawbacks. This will give you a positive social media experience.

• Try to provide a balanced discussion of both advantages and disadvantages.
• Provide proper examples and evidences to support your argument.
• The structure of the essay is very important here. Divide the essay into clear paragraphs.
• In the end, you can also present your opinion about the question.

You have to be very careful while drafting this one from the list of different IELTS essay types. Understand the question properly and then explore the topic in different paragraphs about advantages and disadvantages. Next, we are going to learn about Double Question Essays.

Do You Want to Know About Other Essays in IELTS?

5. double question essays.

Double Question Essays are also known as Two-Part Question Essays. These are a crucial type of essays which you can encounter in your IELTS exam of writing Task 2. In these IELTS essay types, candidates are required to address two different questions in a single essay. These questions often require different types of information or views. In addition, this type of essay is an integral part of IELTS syllabus . In this, you will have a statement with two questions after it. They may or may not be linked to each other.

Here is the structure of an ideal double question essay that will help you earn higher marks:

• Address both questions in brief.
• Give an overview of how you will deal with each question.
• First Body Paragraph
• Address the first question.
• Provide examples, evidences, and explanations.
• Second Body Paragraph
• Address the second question.
• Tie both questions in one knot at the end.

Q. Many people shop online for clothes and other items nowadays. Discuss the pros and cons of online shopping. Also, state whether you think online shopping will become more popular in the future.

There has been tremendous growth in the number of customers who prefer online shopping for their everyday needs. This essay will discuss the pros and cons of online shopping and will also explore about the future trends of it.

Online shopping has an edge over local shopping as it offers convenience. You can just sit at home and order whatever you want by just using your smartphone or computer. Thus, you are able to save a lot of time, effort and need to physically travel from one place to another. But there is a downside to it also. You are not able to physically touch and feel the items like in offline stores. If you are buying clothes, the quality, size, and look cannot be perfectly assessed in online shopping.

Although it is difficult to say that in future online shopping will boost or not, but looking at the current trends it can be said that it will continue to grow. The increasing number of e-commerce platforms, as well as dependency on technology, shows a rising trend in online shopping.

In conclusion, online shopping is a convenient way of shopping but lacks a personal touch, and the customers are not able to physically examine them. The future of online shopping looks promising, but it will depend on factors like technological advancements and changes in consumer behaviour.

• Clearly understand both the questions of the essay.
• Decide the amount of time you will give to each question.
• Do not repeat the information.
• Give point-to-point information.
• Add examples and evidences to support your answers.

In order to master double question essays, you must regularly practice them. Understand the kind of questions you will encounter and how you have to handle them.

Now we have learned about the 5 major types of essay in IELTS. Understanding their structure is crucial for your success in IELTS writing task 2. Each essay is different and demands specific skills. On the basis of differences in the essay types, you have to alter your writing approach. The proverb ‘Practice makes the man perfect’ perfectly fits here. The more you practice essay writing, the better essays you will be able to write. If you have any queries or doubts related to IELTS writing task 2 or study abroad consultants , you can contact the experts at Gradding.com.

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Appreciate the simplicity in explaining complex essay types.

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Soumya Sharma

Nice breakdown of essay types for IELTS prep!

Thanks for the positive feedback! Let us know if you need more tips or assistance with your IELTS preparation.

I found the article on the types of essays really helpful! It's interesting to learn about the different approaches to writing essays for the IELTS exam.

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IELTS Sample Essays

Here you will find IELTS Sample Essays for a variety of common topics that appear in the writing exam.

The model answers all have tips and strategies for how you may approach the question and comments on the sample answer.

You can also view sample essays with band scores on this page. 

Looking at IELTS essay topics with answers is a great way to help you to prepare for the test. 

These IELTS sample essays have been categorised in a way that makes it easy for you to see how certain essay question types require you to provide certain responses to ensure the question is fully answered. 

Specifically these are:

• Agree / Disagree
• Discuss Two Opinions
• Problems and Solutions
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Other Types

Agree / Disagree Type Questions

In these types of question you are given one opinion and you then have to state the extent to which you agree or disagree with that opinion:

• Advertising
• Alternative Medicine
• Spending on the Arts
• Human Cloning
• Social Interaction & the Internet
• Airline Tax
• Free University Education
• Scientific Research
• Banning Smoking
• Employing Older People
• Vegetarianism
• Paying Taxes  
• Examinations or Formal Assessment 
• Multinational Organisations and Culture
• Internet vs Newspapers
• Technology Development  
• Dying of Languages
• Animal Extinction
• Truth in Relationships
• Role of Schools
• Return of Historical Artefacts

Discuss Two Opinions Type Questions

In this essay question type you are given two opinions, and you have to discuss both of these and then give your own view:

• University Education
• Reducing Crime
• Animal Rights
• Child Development
• Diet & Health
• Donating Money to Charity
• Closing Zoos   
• Becoming Independent  
• Formal and Informal Education  
• Influence of Scientists and Politicians
• Sources for Stories
• Searching for Extraterrestrial Life

Cause Type Questions

There are a variety of 'cause type' essay questions. In these you first have to give the reasons why something has happened, in other words the causes, but then discuss a different aspect of it, such as the effects, solutions or the extent to whether it is a positive or negative development:

Causes & Effects:

• Child Obesity
• Skin Whitening Creams
• Family Size
• Having Children Later in Life
• Time Away from Family

Causes and Solutions:

• Youth Crime
• Global Warming
• Paying Attention in Class
• International Travel & Prejudice 
• Museums & Historical Places
• Disappearance of Traditions
• Communication Between Generations

Causes, Pros & Cons:

• Family Closeness
• Living Alone
• Rural to Urban Migration

Problems & Solutions Type Questions

In these type of questions, instead of discussing the causes of a problem, you need to discuss the problems related to a particular issue in society, and then suggest what can be to solve these problems:

• Overpopulation
• Competing for Jobs  
• Professionals Immigrating

Advantage & Disadvantages Type Questions

In these type of questions you are asked to discuss the positive and negative sides of a particular topic. You will usually be asked this in the context of giving an opinion ( e.g. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Is it a positive or negative development? ): 

• Traffic Problems
• Food Additives
• Computer Games
• Age Discrimination at Work  
• Children using Tablets and Computers  
• Cell Phones, Internet, & Communication  
• Working from Home 
• Eating Locally grown  Produce  
• Oil and Gas Essay  
• Peer Pressure on Young People
• Online Fraud
• Decreasing House Sizes

'Hybrid' Types of Essay Question

There are sometimes questions that don't fit easily into a particular category as above. I've called these 'hybrid', as they are of mixed character, are composed of different elements from other types of essay, or are perhaps just worded differently. 

• Protecting Old Buildings
• Animal Testing
• Fear of Crime
• Communication Technology
• Influence of Children's Friends  

Sample Essays with Band Scores

You can also view some sample essays that have been written by candidates practising for the test and have band scores and comments by an experienced ex-IELTS Examiner based on the IELTS marking criteria. 

• IELTS Band 8 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 7 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 6 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 5 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 4 Essay Samples

Student Sample Essays

For more IELTS essay topics with answers you can also view essays that have been written by students. Some have feedback from other students or IELTS teachers:

• Student Model Essays  (with comments by other students)
• Student Model Essays (with comments by IELTS buddy)

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5 IELTS Sample Essays to Help you Pass your Exam

Writing for the IELTS exam can be a daunting task. It requires you to demonstrate your ability to write in clear and concise English, as well as utilising effective grammar .

To help you prepare for your exam, we have compiled a list of the 5 IELTS sample essays. These sample essays are designed to guide how to properly construct an essay with appropriate sentence structure, vocabulary choice , and organisation.

Table of Contents

1. opinion essay, 2. discussion essay, 3. advantage/disadvantage essay, 4. problem/solution essay, 1. impact of digital media on society, 2. possible solutions to the problem of unemployment, 3. should video games be regulated, 4. should free college tuition be offered, 5. money can contribute to happiness, types of ielts essays.

There are four types of essays in IELTS: opinion, discussion, advantage/disadvantage, and problem/solution.

In an opinion essay, the writer expresses their personal opinion about a given topic. The essay should include reasons and examples to support the opinion expressed. It is important that all sides of the argument are presented objectively and that any conclusions made are well-supported with relevant evidence.

A discussion essay presents both sides of an argument on a particular issue. Like an opinion essay, it should be objective, presenting facts and opinions from different sources in a balanced way. The aim here is to present both sides fairly and then draw conclusions from them.

An advantage/disadvantage essay presents the pros and cons of a given issue. In this type of essay, the writer should present the advantages and disadvantages in a balanced way. The conclusion should be based on an evaluation of both sides.

Finally, a problem/solution essay gives information about a particular issue and then presents possible solutions. The essay must include an explanation of the problem, its causes, possible solutions, and consequences if no action is taken.

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IELTS Samples Easys Topics with Answers

The rise of digital media has had both positive and negative impacts on society. While some people argue that it has created numerous opportunities for connection, others feel that its use has led to the deterioration of traditional social skills and relationships. In my opinion, although there may be drawbacks associated with digital media, its benefits far outweigh them.

The primary advantage of digital media is that it allows users to quickly and effectively communicate with each other in real time from all over the world. This can help build strong relationships and foster collaboration between people who would otherwise not be able to communicate. For instance, online communities provide a platform for users to share ideas, experiences and discuss important topics with each other. Additionally, digital media also provides easy access to information, giving people the opportunity to learn new things and stay up-to-date with the latest news.

In addition to improved communication and access to information, digital media can also help businesses boost their profits by allowing them to reach customers in faraway places that were previously inaccessible. This can lead to increased sales and higher revenues for companies, which in turn helps create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Furthermore, digital media is an effective way of advertising products or services as it allows businesses to target specific audiences with tailored content.

In conclusion, although there may be some drawbacks associated with digital media, its advantages far outweigh them. Digital media helps us to connect with people from all over the world and access information quickly and easily. It also provides businesses with new opportunities for reaching customers, thus helping to boost profits and stimulate economic growth. Therefore, I believe that the use of digital media is a positive development in our society.

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The problem of unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing our society today. Unemployment can cause a number of social and economic problems such as poverty, crime, and political instability. In order to address this issue, we must come up with effective solutions that are tailored to individual countries' needs.

One potential solution to the problem of unemployment is for governments to invest in job-creating projects such as infrastructure development or green technology investments. Such projects can create new jobs directly by hiring workers and indirectly through supporting businesses that are related to the project being developed. Furthermore, these types of investments could also have a positive impact on economic growth by stimulating increased domestic demand which would lead to more job creation opportunities as well.

Another solution to the problem of unemployment is for governments to focus on providing education and training opportunities for those who are unemployed. By doing this, individuals can acquire the skills needed to become qualified for higher-paying jobs which will then increase their chances of obtaining employment. Additionally, investing in educational programs may also lead to a reduction in poverty and crime as better-educated individuals are more likely to be able to access well-paid jobs.

Finally, governments should also look into measures that encourage businesses to hire more people. These could include tax breaks or other incentives such as subsidies or reduced regulations. Such initiatives would provide businesses with an incentive to invest more in hiring additional workers while at the same time reducing the burden on the state’s budget by eliminating some of the social safety net that would otherwise have to be provided.

In conclusion, while unemployment is a serious problem with far-reaching consequences, it can be tackled effectively if governments invest in job creation projects, focus on providing education and training opportunities for those who are unemployed, and implement policies that encourage businesses to hire more people. With the right policy decisions and investments, we can create an environment where everyone has equal access to employment opportunities which will help reduce poverty levels and lead to economic stability for all.

Also read: IELTS Essay Topics

The debate over whether or not video games should be regulated has been a hotly contested issue for many years. Those in favour of regulation argue that video games can have a negative impact on children’s mental and physical health, while those against regulation argue that video games provide fun entertainment that can help to develop certain skills and promote collaboration between players.

Proponents of regulating video games point out that studies have linked playing violent video games to an increase in aggressive behaviour among young people, increased risk-taking behaviours such as driving faster or drinking alcohol, and even worse academic performance due to decreased focus on school activities. In addition, some studies suggest a link between playing violent video games and anxiety and depression, although this is still being debated.

On the other side of the debate, opponents of regulation argue that video games can provide a fun and safe way for people to entertain themselves and express their creativity. They point out that playing video games can help improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking, as well as promote collaboration between players.

In conclusion, while both sides of the argument have valid points, it is clear that regulating video games may be necessary in order to protect children from potential harms associated with excessive game play. Therefore, more research needs to be done on the effects of video game regulation before any policy changes are implemented.

Also Read: Essay Topics for IELTS Test

The rising cost of college tuition has been an issue of concern for many potential students as well as their families. In response to this issue, some have argued that free tuition should be offered by universities in order to make higher education more accessible. While this may seem like a good solution on the surface, there are several arguments against this idea that must be considered.

For one, free tuition does not address the underlying issue of rising college costs. The cost of college is driven by a variety of factors such as increasing faculty salaries, rising operating costs and a decrease in government funding for higher education. Therefore, offering free tuition does not actually solve the problem but rather masks it by shifting the burden on taxpayers to pay for these increasing costs.

Furthermore, providing free tuition may also lead to overcrowded classrooms as more students seek out an affordable education without taking into account their academic qualifications or financial resources required to succeed in college. This could potentially lead to lower educational standards and a decrease in quality as universities struggle to accommodate larger student populations.

Finally, while free tuition may be beneficial to some, it could also create a sense of entitlement among students and discourage them from working hard in their studies or pursuing higher-paying jobs after graduation. This could lead to an increase in unemployment and have other negative economic consequences.

In conclusion, while providing free college tuition may seem like a good solution on the surface, there are several risks associated with this policy that must be considered before implementing it. Therefore, more research needs to be done in order to determine whether or not free tuition is the best option for making higher education more accessible and affordable for all students.

Also read: Best books for IELTS exam preparation

It is a common saying that money cannot buy happiness. While this may be true, it does not mean that money has no effect on our well-being at all. In fact, financial security plays an important role in people's lives and can significantly improve their quality of life if used wisely. This essay will discuss why money can contribute to happiness and how it can be used to improve one's life.

The most obvious benefit of having money is that it provides us with financial security. This means we can afford basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing, which are essential for a good quality of life. Furthermore, with enough money we can access better healthcare, education, and even leisure activities which help enrich our lives. For example, having the financial resources to travel regularly or pursue hobbies can bring us immense joy and satisfaction in life.

In addition, having money gives us peace of mind because we no longer have to worry about where our next meal will come from or if we will be able to pay our bills on time. This allows us to focus on more important things such as our relationships and career, which can lead to greater happiness.

Furthermore, money can help us become more philanthropic. We may choose to donate to charities or other causes that we care about, knowing that our donations will make a difference in the lives of others. Although helping those less fortunate than ourselves cannot buy us happiness directly, it can certainly bring us a sense of satisfaction and purpose in life.

To conclude, having enough money is essential for achieving a good standard of living and ultimately - happiness. If used wisely, it can provide us with increased financial security, peace of mind and even the ability to contribute to society in meaningful ways. Therefore it is clear that money can be a valuable resource when it comes to improving the quality of our lives.

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IELTS essays are designed to test a range of skills, including the ability to present an argument logically, use appropriate language and understand different points of view. Therefore, it is important that when writing an IELTS essay, you can structure your thoughts and ideas well, provide clear examples and express yourself succinctly. With practice and preparation, anyone can write good essays for the IELTS. Studying these five examples, you can better understand how to write an effective IELTS sample essay.

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IELTS Reading Answers Sample

• Animal Camouflage
• Types Of Societies
• Australia Convict Colonies
• A Spark A Flint
• Emigration To The Us
• The History Of Salt
• Zoo Conservation Programmes
• The Robots Are Coming
• The Development Of Plastic

IELTS Speaking Cue Card Sample

• Describe A Puzzle You Have Played
• Describe A Long Walk You Ever Had
• Describe Your Favourite Movie
• Describe A Difficult Thing You did
• Describe A Businessman You Admire
• Memorable Day in My Life
• Describe Your Dream House
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• Describe a Famous Athlete You Know
• Aquatic Animal

IELTS Essay Sample Sample

• Best Education System
• IELTS Opinion Essay
• Agree or Disagree Essay
• Problem Solution Essays
• Essay on Space Exploration
• Essay On Historical Places
• Essay Writing Samples
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• Global Warming Essay
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6 Types of Essays in IELTS Writing Task 2

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Updated on 12 June, 2024

Akansha Semwal

Study abroad expert.

Did you know having a command over different IELTS essays can help you improve your band score? Wondering how? I was also left pondering about the same when my friend received a 8+ band in IELTS writing! The secret? She had mastered the art of writing IELTS essays by understanding different types of essays and how to go about each differently.

Being aware of the distinctions between each type of essay not only helps when you come to clear up your thoughts, it also means that your composition will meet the standards which examiners are looking out for in IELTS tests.

Let’s look at different types of IELTS essays in detail.

Table of Contents

1. discussion essay, 2. opinion essay, 3. two-part essay, 4. advantage and disadvantage essay, 5. cause and solution essay, 6. mixed type essays, 1. opinion essays, 2. discussion essays, 3. problem-solution essays, 4. advantage-disadvantage essays, 5. two-part (or direct question) essays, 6. mixed essays, recommended structure for ielts writing task 2, 1. understand the prompt, 2. plan your essay, 3. use clear and coherent language, 4. stay on topic, 5. review and revise, annotations for each essay part:, download e-books for ielts preparation, learn more about study abroad, download ielts sample papers, important study abroad articles, popular study abroad destinations, types of essay in ielts writing task 2.

In IELTS Writing Task 2, test-takers need to respond to a point of view, argument or problem. To score high in IELTS Writing Task 2, you must have a clear grasp of the various essay types that could come up in the exam.

This essay may be the difference between a low band and a high band overall for your writing. Here are the different types of essays in IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 that will help you understand the pattern and format.

• Discussion Essay
• Opinion Essay
• Two-part Essay
• Advantage/Disadvantage Essay
• Cause/Solution Essay
• Mixed Type Essays

In discussion essays, you get a question with opposing views, where you have to discuss both sides of a statement 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 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 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 opinion based on relevant information, ideas, and experience.

This is also an argumentative essay where the opinions are discussed, and contrary statements are 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 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 high scoring essay, but it is essential to understand the question and present a relevant opinion with the support of evidence and ideas. The following is the structure of the opinion essay:-

• Introduction with 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 two-part essay type, you get one statement followed by two different questions. These questions may or may not be linked. This essay type is also known as a 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

An advantage and disadvantage essay type is 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 must 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

A cause and solution essay type gives 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 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 

A mixed type essay, as the name suggests, combines elements from different essay formats in IELTS Writing Task 2. Rather than stating a direct agree/disagree or problem/solution essay, it usually presents two separate questions related to the same topic.

These questions require you to analyze the cause or provide solutions (like problem-solution essays) or discuss advantages and disadvantages and then express your viewpoints (similar to opinion essays). Hence, these essays are also termed as Advantages and Disadvantages + Opinion Essays.

When writing IELTS mixed type essays, you must remember that both parts of the question are answered and connect to the central topic. You should carefully analyze the two questions before attempting to understand what each part requires and answer them meticulously.

Here is a brief breakdown of the structure of the mixed IELTS essays:-

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic and remember to state the two parts of the question.
• Paragraph A: cover the first part of the question with examples in one or two paragraphs.
• Paragraph B: write one or two paragraphs dedicated to the second part of the question, which is to express your opinion on the topic. 
• Conclusion: highlight the key points and state your opinion or provide a solution to the topic. 

Detailed Analysis of Each IELTS Essay Type

Definition and characteristics:.

Opinion essays require the candidate to express their viewpoint on a specific topic. The essay must clearly state whether they agree or disagree with the statement and provide reasons and examples to support their opinion.

Discussion essays ask candidates to discuss both sides of an argument and present their viewpoints. It involves a balanced discussion where both perspectives are considered before stating the candidate's opinion.

Problem-solution essays require the identification of a problem and the suggestion of one or more solutions. The essay should outline the problem, its causes, and possible solutions.

Advantage-disadvantage essays involve discussing the pros and cons of a given topic. Candidates must weigh both sides and provide a balanced view.

Direct question essays consist of two or more questions related to a topic. Candidates need to address each question comprehensively.

Mixed IELTS essays are the ones where the question has two parts, one related to the problem statement/cause or advantage/disadvantage and the other requires you to express your opinion.

Common Question Prompts:

• "Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?"
• "To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
• "Discuss both views and give your opinion."
• "What are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach?"
• "What are the problems associated with X, and how can they be solved?"
• "Discuss the causes and effects of X and provide solutions."
• "What are the advantages and disadvantages of X?"
• "Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of X."
• "What are the reasons for X? What can be done to improve it?"
• "Why do people X? What are the consequences?"
• “What are the main reasons for X? Do you believe X?”
• “Why is X? Discuss your viewpoints on this.”

Now that you have understood the different essay types, let me throw some light on the recommended structure for writing an effective essay in the IELTS Writing Task 2. You will get to know how your structured essay can make a great difference on your answer’s presentation.

Here’s the IELTS essay structure one must follow:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the topic. Clearly state your thesis or main point.

• Opinion Essays: Two or three paragraphs, each presenting a reason supporting your opinion.
• Discussion Essays: One paragraph for each side of the argument, followed by a paragraph stating your opinion.
• Problem-Solution Essays: One paragraph detailing the problem, followed by one or two paragraphs suggesting solutions.
• Advantage-Disadvantage Essays: One paragraph each for advantages and disadvantages, followed by a conclusion.
• Two-part Questions Essays: One paragraph per question, addressing each comprehensively.
• Mixed Type Essays: One paragraph for the first part of the question, followed by one or two paragraphs on your opinion.

Conclusion:

Summarize the main points. Restate your opinion or main point. Provide a final thought or recommendation if applicable.

Related Reads:

5 Tips for Writing Effective Essays in IELTS Writing Task 2

Ensure you comprehend what the question is asking before you start writing. Often candidates make the mistake of going by what they see first and answering differently from what is expected as an answer. 

Take a few minutes to outline your main points. This can be done by creating a rough structure (paragraph-wise) of these points to give you a template to follow when you start writing. 

Avoid overly complex sentences that may confuse the reader. Stick to simple and grammatically correct language that gets the message across. 

Ensure each paragraph addresses the essay question directly. Offer examples, but do not get into other territory. Stick to the main topic as much as possible. 

Leave a few minutes at the end to check for grammatical or spelling errors. Also, make sure that you stick to a reasonable word count for your essay.

Pro Tip: Improving your command of the English language can help to articulate your thoughts. Practice reading the English newspaper’s editorial section to gain a good knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. Practice listening to English news channels daily to better understand topics that need your agreement or disagreement.

Sample Essay Breakdown

Here is an example of how to write an essay for IELTS writing task 2.

Sample Essay:

In recent years, the debate over whether students should be required to wear school uniforms has intensified. While some argue that uniforms promote equality, I firmly believe they restrict individual expression. I will illustrate my opinion regarding how uniforms should not be worn in order to avoid limiting personal expression.

It can be said that uniforms do promote a sense of equality among students. From a surface level, it may matter, considering how students come from varying family and financial backgrounds. Some may also argue that uniforms instill a sense of discipline and adherence to the rules and regulations of the educational institution. At the same time, they also work as identifiers of the institution itself, while building a sense of pride and respect among students in flaunting their association with the same.

Despite taking the above-mentioned considerations into account, I believe that wearing them amounts to restrictions on personal expression. In an increasingly competitive world, the one thing that works as a differentiator among learners is individuality. This is also linked intrinsically to personal expression, beliefs, creativity, and mental wellbeing.

Allowing students to not wear uniforms and instead cultivate their own style of dressing will have multiple benefits, in terms of freeing them up to showcase their personal styles, foster creativity, and give them an independent and confident streak that will help them excel in their later professional and personal lives.

In conclusion, while uniforms may foster equality, the restriction on personal expression is too significant. Therefore, I believe students should not be required to wear them.

• The introduction clearly states the topic and the writer's opinion.
• Each body paragraph provides a clear reason supporting the opinion, with examples.
• The conclusion succinctly summarizes the argument and restates the opinion.

Now, you must have a fair understanding of what you should include in each part of the IELTS essay. Make sure you check these carefully since this is how the examiner will evaluate the essay. 

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In conclusion, understanding the different types of essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 is crucial for candidates aiming to achieve a high score. Whether it's an argumentative, discussion, problem-solution, or opinion essay, each type demands a specific approach in terms of structure, development of ideas, and argumentation.

Success in this task hinges not just on linguistic proficiency but also on the ability to organize and present thoughts coherently, addressing the essay prompt effectively while showcasing a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. 

As candidates prepare for their IELTS exam, practicing these various essay types and receiving feedback on their writing can significantly enhance their skills, equipping them to tackle IELTS Writing Task 2 with confidence and precision.

Other Useful Reads:

How many types of essays are there in IELTS?

There are mainly six types of essays in IELTS. These essays are: Discussion Essay, Agree/Disagree (Opinion) Essay, Problem and Solution Essay, Advantages and Disadvantages Essay, Two-part Questions Essay, and Multi-Part Essay.  

What is the minimum word count and time limit for the essay in IELTS task 2?

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

How to write examples in an IELTS essay?

In the IELTS Writing Task, it 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?

The 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, summarize or explain the information in their own words. In IELTS task 1, students are asked to write a report rather 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/prompt
• Organize your ideas logically
• Work on your grammatically range & lexical resource
• Analyze and learn from your mistakes

What is the format of writing task 2 in IELTS?

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires candidates to write an essay of at least 250 words in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. The essay should be well-organized, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It is important to address the task appropriately and provide clear, relevant arguments and examples, while completing the same within 40 minutes.

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Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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IELTS Exam Syllabus 2024 (Section-Wise)

By Prabhadri Suman Updated On - 2024-02-01 16-19-33 IST

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Section-wise IELTS exam syllabus

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• How are the different IELTS sections marked? 

IELTS Preparation Tips

The IELTS exam is of two types:   Academic and General Training . IELTS academic exam is for candidates who plan to study abroad and the General Training exam is for candidates who plan to settle abroad (PR-permanent residency) or want work. Both Academic and General Training exams evaluate the English proficiency of a candidate like the ability to read, write, speak, and listen. 

The IELTS test syllabus is divided into four sections: Reading, Liste­ning, Writing, and Speaking. The speaking and liste­ning section is the same for both Ge­neral Training and Academic exams. However, the reading and writing se­ctions differ between computer-delivere­d and paper-based IELTS versions.

The IELTS e­xam assesses candidates' proficie­ncy in the English language. To achieve­ a satisfactory band score, candidates nee­d to have a comprehensive­ understanding of all sections included in the­ IELTS exam syllabus and display competence­ in all facets of the English language. Both the Ge­neral Training and Academic IELTS tests consist of four se­ctions.   

IELTS Test Syllabus Overview

Read here IELTS Speaking Cue Cards Topics / Samples with Answers 

Syllabus for IELTS Writing 

The IELTS writing exam section varies as per the test type: Academic and General Training .  For each exam type, the writing section has two tasks. 

1. IELTS Writing Syllabus - Academic

The writing section of IELTS Academic includes a total number of two tasks. The writing section duration of tasks is one hour. ( Task 1 typically requires 20 minutes, while Task 2 generally takes 40 minutes ). There are mainly two tasks and a set of questions in total.

• In Task 1 , candidates are­ required to write a 150-word re­port . They will be presented with a visual represe­ntation, such as a graph, table, chart, or diagram. Using their own words, they must provide­ a description, summary, or explanation of the information. The­ report may involve describing and clarifying provide­d data, outlining process steps, illustrating flowchart functionality, or narrating details about an obje­ct or event.  
• In the 2nd task, aspirants are asked to write an essay of around 250 words on a topic with follow-up questions. The essays further consist of 6-7 types such as agree/disagree, cause/solution, etc. Thus, candidates are advised to use a formal writing tone and write in an academic style. Also, it is best to give relevant examples wherever required.

2. IELTS Writing Syllabus - General Training

The General Training module of the IELTS syllabus incorporates two writing tasks that revolve around subjects of general interest.

• In the first task, applicants will e­ncounter a situation and be require­d to compose a letter of approximate­ly 150 words. This letter should aim to eithe­r request information or explain the­ given scenario. The pre­ferred style for the­ letter can be pe­rsonal, semi-formal, or formal in nature.  
• In the 2nd section , applicants are asked to write an essay of around 250 words responding to an argument, point of view, or problem. The essay style can be more personal than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay. Relevant examples should be provided to support opinions.

Types of Questions in IELTS Writing Section 

• Agree/disagree
• Advantages/disadvantages
• Opinion – Agree/Disagree Type.
• Cause/solution
• Two-part questions
• Discuss both sides of a question

The IELTS reading test section consists of three questions. There are 40 questions in total. When it comes to the test format, question types, and time allocation, it is the same for both computer-delivered tests (cbt) and the paper-based test (pbt). The only difference is, for the computer-delivered, you need to take the test using a computer.

The IELTS reading section checks the candidate’s reading abilities with different types of instructions, such as reading for central ideas and details, skimming, grasping the logical argument and gist, and understanding writers' perspectives, attitudes, and purpose. The IELTS reading section is different for the academic and general training modules.

1. IELTS Reading Syllabus - Academic

The academic reading section of the IELTS syllabus comprises 3 sections having 13 to 14 questions. Each of these sections contains lengthy reading passages.  These sections will be evaluative, illustrative, and supported by evidence. The paragraphs are sourced from books, journals, newspapers, and magazines. 

Task Types: The IELTS Academic Reading section consists of different types of questions such as 

• Diagram label completion
• Identifying a writer's views or claims
• Identifying information
• Matching features
• Matching headings
• Matching information
• Matching sentence endings
• Multiple choice
•  Sentence completion
• Short-answer questions
• Summary, note, table, flow-chart completion

  2.  IELTS Reading Syllabus - General Training

The general training reading exam  is structured like an academic module. Although GT topics will be related to daily life. The exam will include three reading passages with themes such as announcements, advertisements, and notices. There will be a total of 13–14 questions in each section.

Task Types:  The IELTS General Training Reading section has various types of questions such as:

• Multiple Choice Questions,
• Matching information,
• Matching headings,
• Matching features,
• Identifying information,
• Sentence completion
• Identifying writer’s views
• Matching Sentence Endings

The IELTS listening section syllabus is the same for both the Academic and General Training tests. Candidates need to answer 40 questions based on four recordings, each lasting 3 minutes. 

The first two dialogues will cover social and ecological topics, and the last two will be educational. Participants are only permitted to listen to the recordings one time. Questions asked in this section will include note completion, multiple-choice, and sentence completion.

Remains the same as General Training.

The Listening module of the IELTS exam consists of four sections with a total of 40 questions . Candidates must listen to recordings of fluent English speakers answering questions.

• PART 1: A conversation occurs between two individuals in a typical social environment.  
• PART 2: A monologue delivered in a common social setting, such as a speech about neighborhood facilities or a visit to a specific locality.  
• PART 3: A discussion between two to four persons in a training or educational setting, such as between a student and a lecturer at a university, over a project.  
• PART 4:  A monologue based on a subject in school, similar to a lecture at a university.

Types of Questions in IELTS Listening Section

The listening section of the IELTS Academic test comprises a variety of question types, including 

• Multiple Choice Questions 
• Plan, map and diagram labelling 
• Table, flow- chart, summary completion 

2. IELTS Listening Syllabus - General

IELTS Listening General exam's module syllabus is the same as the IELTS Academic Listening module

Syllabus for IELTS Speaking  

The IELTS speaking exam evaluates a candidate's overall verbal communication capabilities and their skills to communicate in an international context in about 11 - 15 minutes. The IELTS speaking section is an in-person oral interview with an examiner.

1. IELTS Speaking Syllabus - Academic

The speaking portion of the IELTS assesses a candidate's ability to speak English. For score purposes, the full interaction is recorded.

• PART 1: In this portion, the examiner will ask a series of generic questions about yourself. These will cover many common topics, such as your home, family, hometown, career, studies, and interests. The duration of this part is two to five minutes.  
• PART 2: In this portion, you will be handed a card instructing you to discuss a specific topic. This card is also called a cue card or candidate task card. You will have one minute to prepare before speaking and two at most to finish. The examiner will ask one or more "Follow-up questions" on the same topic.  
• PART 3: In this portion, the examiner asks five to seven questions about Speaking Part 2. You need to address broader and intellectual subjects in this section. This part of the test has a four- to five-minute time limit.

2. IELTS Speaking Syllabus - General

The IELTS speaking general training exam syllabus is the same as the IELTS academic test.

Types of Questions in IELTS Speaking Section

In  Part 1  of IELTS speaking general training, candidates are presented with questions about their educational background, professional experience, and achievements. Make sure to give attention to syntax, synonyms, tenses, etc as the examiner will check it.

In  Part 2  section, candidates are given a topic to speak about for approximately two minutes. They should jot down relevant points related to the theme and deliver their speech while covering all three questions in the cue card. Following their presentation, there will be a short question and answer session.

In Part 3 section  the conversation will be long, and the questions asked are meaningful, appropriate, and intellectual. The debate will focus on genuine matters and subjects.

Students who desire to study abroad in countries like the United States, Australia, Europe, Canada, and Germany must take the IELTS exam. This test consists of two modules and four sections, and the topics it covers are extensive. To succeed on the test, aspirants must ensure they thoroughly understand the exam pattern, the different types of IELTS exams, and the types of questions posed. For assistance with this process, applicants can turn to Edmissions for help and advice to ace the IELTS in one go.

Check here : IELTS Exam Fee and IELTS Exam Dates  

How are the different IELTS sections marked?  

This section is all about IELTS-making parameters, such as task achievement, lexical resource, coherence and cohesion, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Familiarizing with this will help candidates understand how their IELTS exam performance is evaluated which will further help them in preparing for the exam.

IELTS Listening Marking Scheme

The IELTS Listening test has 40 questions in total. Every time a candidate gives a correct answer, they receive one point and their results are then transformed into the nine-band IELTS scale.

IELTS Reading Marking Scheme

The IELTS Reading examination involves 40 multiple-choice questions, and a single point is granted when the answer is correct. The result of the test is translated to the IELTS score range of 0 to 9.

Both the Academic and General Training Reading exams are composed of the same kinds of questions and text content. The Academic Reading test contains questions that are more demanding in terms of vocabulary and sentence structure. In order to acquire a higher score in a given range, an examinee must answer more questions correctly on the General Training Reading examination.

IELTS Writing Marking Scheme

The Writing portion of the IELTS exam consists of two tasks that require an examinee to compose a summary of visual data in 150 words and an essay with a point of view or argument in 250 words. Examiners use an evaluation system that awards a score ranging from zero to nine with equal weighting to both tasks, and the final grade is the average of the two.

• Task Achievement (Task 1), Task Response (Task 2)
• Coherence and Cohesion
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy

IELTS Speaking Marking Scheme

The IELTS Speaking assessment is a one-on-one discussion with a test administrator that evaluates the speaking abilities of a test-taker in three parts. Grading is done according to certain standards, and the final band score is the average of the scores obtained in each task.

• Fluency and Coherence
• Pronunciation
• Get familiar with the examination format and syllabus : Examine the past year's exam paper and attempt to comprehend the kind of queries inquired and the duration given for each segment of the IELTS test.
• Plan a preparation strategy that works for you : Develop a learning program and tactics that are suitable to your needs. Note down what you are going to learn each day, for how long, and include every subject area. Identify your weak spots and spend extra time on them. Be sure to do a lot of sample tests a few days before the assessment.  
• Improve your vocabulary as a priority : Make an effort to read newspapers, online news sources, and periodicals. Utilize a monolingual dictionary to discover common expressions and the way words are organized. Speak English daily, but try not to transform sentences from your native language.  
• Improve your writing skills : Familiarize yourself with different writing questions by attempting sample exams. Monitor the amount of time you spend on them, and always remember to proofread your work. Additionally, make sure that your response does not go under the word count limit.  
• Improve your listening abilities: Do as many listening exercises as you can and pay attention to the audio clips without interruption since you will only be able to hear them once. Jot down points as you go along so that you don't have any issues responding to the questions.  
• Focus on improving your pronunciation and fluency : Spend a large amount of time speaking in English and make a list of the areas you need to develop. Additionally, you could record yourself talking on a variety of subjects. To enhance your accent, start watching English news broadcasts, films, and television programs.

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IELTS General Writing Task 1: Letter Writing Sample & Tips

Updated on Jun 24, 2024, 12:14

Practising letter writing for Task 1 General? If you’re wondering how to score high in this task, then this page will guide you to ace IELTS writing task 1 general training.   

Whether it's an invitation, a complaint, or a thank-you note, we'll equip you with the tools and tips to ace this part of the test. 

On This Page

1. IELTS General Writing Task 1: Key Highlights

First things first, let’s get the basics straightened out. 

2. IELTS General Writing Task 1: Format

IELTS General Writing Task 1 in the Academic test requires you to interpret, describe, or compare the given visual data. The visual data may be a Diagram, Graph, or Table.

3. How to Answer IELTS General Writing Task 1?

Writing is not everyone’s cup of tea, but creating a well-written piece takes only a few simple techniques.

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See how to score 8+ in Reading. 

Get proven strategies to ace your IELTS Reading test.

IELTS General Writing Task 1: Key Highlights

Here’s what we want you to keep in mind:   

• The IELTS General Training test is usually required for vocational training, such as in the  construction, hospitality, leisure, and tourism industries.
• In Task 1, you must write a letter in response to a situation, such as  asking for information or explaining a situation. 
• You need to write at least 150 words 
• The total duration of the section is about 20 minutes.

Here’s IELTS Writing Task 1 at a glance: 

Click here to learn more about upcoming IELTS dates !

IELTS General Writing Task 1: Format

Depending on the context, you can frame your letter to be formal, semi-formal, or in an informal setting. Your question will be in this format:   

• Who to address the letter to
• Main points to include in the letter

Example: 

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

• Recommend the best time of year to visit and why
• Describe the types of accommodation your friend could choose
• Say what you would like to show your friend in your country

Typically, your letter should not exceed the word limit of 150. Ideally, you should complete and review the letter in the first 20 minutes of the IELTS Writing Test. Sticking to this time limit is important, as Task 2 is longer and requires more time.  

Here’s what else you should keep in mind:   

• Stick to the letter-writing format. Ensure your letter has all the fundamental elements, such as the salutation, date and signatures.
• Ensure that the tone of your letter is relevant to the context. For instance, if your topic was to write a letter to a recruiter, you must not make it informal! 
• The purpose of the letter must be preserved throughout. You must not deviate away from the given context.   

Click here to learn more about  IELTS registration !

How to Answer IELTS General Writing Task 1?

Letters may no longer be delivered by pigeons, but it is still a relevant skill worth learning! Not your forte? Here are the top 3 strategies to help anyone craft a compelling letter.

• Introduce right: Your opening paragraph is crucial and must immediately convey the purpose of your letter. 

For instance, if you were writing to enquire about a position, you would say,  “I’m writing to enquire regarding the position of a content writer at your company.”   

• Choose a relevant tone: Depending on the letter's receiver, judge the tone you will use. 

For example, if you’re writing a letter to your friend, you might want to keep it semi-formal to informal. 

An informal letter should be conversational; you can use direct speech to achieve this. You can also use words like “Dear <name>” to establish your tone. 

However, if you’re writing a formal letter, you should say, “Dear sir/madam,” use passive language and longer sentences.   

• Structure your letter:  Decide the order in which you will cover all the bullet points given to you. Make sure the letter has a logical flow to it. Your letter will start with an introduction (greetings and stating the purpose), move on to the body (highlighting main points) and a closing (signing off). 
• You should write full sentences for your answers.
• You should not use notes or bullet points.
• Write your answers on the answer sheet.
• You can make notes on the question paper, but the examiner won't see them.

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Related Articles

Q. What is the structure for IELTS Writing Task 1 of the General Training test?

Ans . IELTS Writing Task 1 for General training requires you to write a letter in a formal, semi-formal or informal setting. You must pay attention to the letter writing format and write it this way,

• Introduction: Greetings and open with the purpose of your letter
• Body: Highlight the key points given in the question
• Closing: Conclude your request and sign off 

Q. How to get band 9 in IELTS general writing task 1?

Ans. To get a band score of 9 in IELTS general writing task 1, it's crucial to understand and analyse the question thoroughly. Maintain a clear and logical progression of ideas, ensuring accurate and varied use of vocabulary and sentence structures. Additionally, pay attention to grammar and punctuation, and practice writing within the time constraints to improve your overall performance.

Q. How to write an IELTS writing task 1 sample?

Ans. To write an IELTS writing task 1 sample for general writing, start by familiarising yourself with the specific task requirements and understanding the purpose of the task. Then, practice outlining your response, including an introduction, overview, detailed body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Review sample responses and marking criteria to understand what examiners look for in a successful task 1 sample. 

Q. How to do IELTS general writing task 1?

Ans. To tackle IELTS General Writing Task 1, start by thoroughly reading the prompt to understand the type of letter you must write (e.g., formal, semi-formal, or informal). Address all parts of the question, maintain an appropriate tone, and structure your letter with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Practice writing different types of letters to become familiar with various formats and styles.

Q. How to improve IELTS general writing?

Ans.  Improving your IELTS General Writing involves regular practice, expanding your vocabulary, and getting feedback on your work. Focus on writing clearly and concisely, and improve your grammar and punctuation. Reviewing high-scoring sample essays can provide insights into effective writing techniques and help you understand what examiners look for.

Q. How can I get a good score in IELTS writing task 1?

Ans.  To score well in IELTS Writing Task 1, ensure that you understand the task requirements and answer all parts of the question. Use a clear and logical structure, and appropriate language, and vary your sentence structures. Pay attention to the tone and style of your letter, and make sure to proofread your work to correct any errors.

Q. What is the common mistake in IELTS Writing Task 1?

Ans. A common mistake in IELTS Writing Task 1 is needing to address all parts of the prompt fully. Some test-takers also need help maintaining the appropriate tone or style for the letter. Additionally, grammatical errors and poor organisation can detract from your overall score. Practising writing letters and seeking feedback can help you avoid these pitfalls.

Q. How is general IELTS Writing?

Ans.  The General IELTS Writing test consists of two tasks: Task 1 requires writing a letter based on a given situation, while Task 2 involves writing an essay on a given topic. The test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in writing, including your grammar, vocabulary, and coherence. It's designed to evaluate your writing skills in everyday contexts.

Q. What is the writing pattern for the IELTS general exam?

Ans.  The IELTS General Writing test lasts 60 minutes and consists of two tasks. Task 1 is a letter-writing task requiring you to write at least 150 words. Task 2 is an essay that requires at least 250 words. The tasks assess your ability to respond appropriately to a given situation and discuss issues relevant to general or everyday contexts.

Q. How long is IELTS valid?

Ans. IELTS scores are valid for two years from the date of your test. After this period, you may need to retake the test to provide an English language proficiency score for study, work, or migration purposes.

Q. Does IELTS repeat questions?

Ans.  While IELTS may reuse some questions or topics, the exact wording and specific questions are unlikely to be repeated. The test is designed to be unpredictable and assess a wide range of language skills. The best way to prepare for the test is to practice with a variety of sample questions and topics.

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IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic assesses how well you can use English in an academic environment.

IELTS General training

Students applying to high schools or vocational training programs in English-speaking countries might need to take this test.

If you would like to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level in the UK, you can take IELTS UKVI.

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Had a great and memorable experience with IELTS - IFI. The staffs are supportive and very accommodating. Venue is stellar and conducive for testing. Not to mention, the online review is comprehensive and mock exam is absolutely helpful.

Gabriel Yumul

Các dạng bài & cách viết ielts writing task 1, các dạng writing task 2 thường gặp và định hướng làm bài, ielts speaking part 1: các chủ đề thường gặp và bí quyết trả lời, tổng hợp bộ từ vựng ielts writing task 1, từ vựng ielts theo chủ đề phổ biến, bảng quy đổi điểm toeic sang ielts chi tiết nhất, cách viết ielts writing task 1 dạng line graph, cách viết writing task 1 dạng bar chart chỉ với 3 bước cực hiệu quả, cách viết writing task 1 dạng map đạt điểm cao, hướng dẫn viết dạng bài writing task 1 process/diagram chi tiết.

• Simplified Chinese

Cause and Effect essay: Cấu trúc, Từ vựng và Bài mẫu

Nắm rõ cách viết Cause and Effect essay là một kỹ năng quan trọng mà bạn không nên bỏ qua. Cùng IDP tìm hiểu cấu trúc và cách viết dạng bài này nhé.

Chủ đề bài viết

Trong quá trình học tiếng Anh, bạn sẽ dần được làm quen với việc lập dàn ý và triển khai viết một bài luận (Essay). Các bạn có thể áp dụng nhiều chiến lược viết bài cho từng dạng bài khác nhau, và một trong những dạng bài truyền tải đầy đủ và chính xác mọi thông tin đến người đọc là Cause and Effect essay , hay còn gọi là bài luận về nguyên nhân và kết quả. 

Nắm rõ cách viết một bài luận Nguyên nhân - Kết quả là một kỹ năng quan trọng mà hầu hết sinh viên ở mọi lĩnh thuật học thuật cần phải biết, đặc biệt là những bạn đang chuẩn bị cho kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới. Bài viết này sẽ giúp bạn tìm hiểu về cấu trúc cơ bản, cách sắp xếp luận điểm cũng như bỏ túi nhiều ý tưởng qua những bài mẫu Cause and Effect essay nhé.

1. Cách nhận biết dạng bài Cause and Effect

Bài luận Cause and Effect essay là một dạng bài đòi hỏi người viết phải trình bày mối liên hệ giữa nguyên nhân và sự ảnh hưởng của một vấn đề. Tương tự như các bài luận khác, bài luận về nguyên nhân và kết quả cũng đóng vai trò cung cấp kiến thức cho người đọc. Tuy nhiên, bạn cần thể hiện được tư duy và cái nhìn khách quan, thể hiện được kỹ năng phân tích logic về một chủ đề và rút ra được những cách giải quyết của riêng mình. 

Một ví dụ của tình huống Cause and Effect 

Các yếu tố chính của dạng bài Cause and Effect essay:

Nguyên nhân (Cause): Đây là những yếu tố hoặc lý do xảy ra một tình huống cụ thể. 

Kết quả (Effect): Kết quả là những hậu quả hoặc hệ lụy do các nguyên nhân được xác định gây ra.

Mối liên hệ giữa Cause và Effect: Trọng tâm chính của bài luận dạng này luôn nằm ở việc chứng minh mối liên kết giữa nguyên nhân và kết quả. Không chỉ đơn giản là liệt kê các luận điểm, bạn còn phải giải thích một cách logic và mạch lạc tại sao những yếu tố này lại dẫn đến các kết quả như vậy. 

Những Cause and Effect essay topics phổ biến trong IELTS Writing Task 2

It is seen that older adults are not given enough respect and facilities in many countries. What could be the reason for this? What are the effects of this?

The percentage of overweight children in Western society has increased by almost 20% in the last 10 years. Discuss the causes and effects of this disturbing trend.

Childhood obesity is becoming a serious problem in many countries. Explain the main causes and effects of this problem, and suggest some possible solutions.

2. Cấu trúc dạng bài Cause and Effect essay

Có rất nhiều phương pháp giúp bạn lập một dàn ý hoàn chỉnh, tuy nhiên, hãy luôn xây dựng một bố cục rõ ràng, có tính liên kết vững chắc giữa các ý tưởng. Một dàn ý tốt sẽ giúp bạn duy trì được mạch thông tin logic và truyền tải hiệu quả mối quan hệ nhân quả giữa các luận điểm.

Dưới đây là một cấu trúc dạng bài Cause and Effect essay cơ bản: 

3. Cách viết Cause and Effect essay và lập dàn ý

Sau khi đã nắm rõ những kiến thức về cách lên ý tưởng và viết essay Cause and Effect, hãy cùng làm quen cách phân tích và lập dàn ý đối với đề bài sau: 

Today more people are overweight than ever before. What is your opinion are the primary causes of this? What are the main effects of this?

Đọc cẩn thận và phân tích đề bài:

Khi đi vào phân tích đề bài, hãy xác định xem đây là dạng bài gì, chủ đề trong bài như thế nào? Bạn cũng cần nắm rõ đề bài muốn nhấn mạnh vào nguyên nhân, kết quả ảnh hưởng hay cả hai khía cạnh. 

Đối với đề bài này, vấn đề đang được nhắc đến là “ a growing number of overweight people ” - số lượng những người mắc tình trạng béo phì đang gia tăng khá cao hiện nay. 

Lập dàn ý chi tiết:

Viết bài và chỉnh sửa những lỗi sai (nếu có)

Sau khi đã hoàn thành dàn ý trên, hãy viết thành một bài luận hoàn chỉnh. Đối với bước cuối cùng, đừng quên kiểm tra về lỗi lập luận, các cấu trúc ngữ pháp để đảm bảo bài viết được trình bày hoàn chỉnh nhất.

4. Từ vựng phổ biến trong dạng bài Cause and Effect essay

Đối với phần thi IELTS Writing 2 - Dạng bài Cause and Effect essay questions, bạn cần sử dụng thuần thục các từ nối (linking words) hoặc những cụm từ giúp chuyển tiếp về mặt ý nghĩa. Bên cạnh đó, hãy ghi nhớ các nhóm từ vựng giúp diễn tả thông tin theo từng chủ đề khác nhau. 

Các từ vựng và cụm từ chỉ nguyên nhân

Các từ vựng và cụm từ chỉ kết quả

Các cụm từ nối những luận điểm: 

To what extent does A cause B?: A ảnh hưởng đến B ở mức độ nào?

What are the main causes of ….?: Những nguyên nhân chính của …. là gì?

What are the short-term and long-term effects of ….?: Các tác động ngắn hạn và dài hạn là gì?

How can we reduce the negative effects of …?: Làm thế nào để giảm thiểu những tác động tiêu cực của .…?

5. Bài mẫu Cause and Effect essay

Đề bài: In many urban areas, the rise in air pollution is becoming a significant concern. What are the main causes of this increase, and what effects does it have on the environment and public health?

Bài làm mẫu:

The escalating levels of air pollution in urban environments have emerged as a pressing issue. This essay will explore the primary causes behind this surge and its repercussions on both the environment and public health.

One prominent cause of escalating air pollution is the exponential growth of vehicular traffic. The increasing number of automobiles, coupled with outdated emission standards , releases a significant volume of pollutants into the air. Additionally, industrial activities contribute to the problem, with factories emitting pollutants such as particulate matter and greenhouse gasses.

The effects on the environment are devastating . Air pollution accelerates climate change, leading to unpredictable weather patterns and ecological imbalances . Moreover, public health bears the brunt , as respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases become more prevalent due to prolonged exposure to polluted air.

In conclusion, the surge in air pollution in urban areas is primarily attributable to vehicular emissions and industrial activities. The adverse effects on both the environment and public health necessitate urgent measures, such as the implementation of stricter emission standards and the promotion of sustainable transportation. Only through concerted efforts can we mitigate the impact of air pollution and safeguard the well-being of both the planet and its inhabitants.

Vocabulary ghi điểm: 

prominent cause: nguyên nhân quan trọng

exponential growth: tăng trưởng theo cấp số nhân

emission standards: tiêu chuẩn phát thải

significant volume: lượng lớn

devastating: tàn phá

accelerates: thúc đẩy

ecological imbalances: mất cân bằng sinh thái

bears the brunt (idiom): chịu đựng

respiratory illnesses: bệnh đường hô hấp (bệnh phổi)

cardiovascular diseases: bệnh tim mạch

prevalent: phổ biến, thịnh hành

Tự tin chinh phục dạng bài Cause and Effect essay khi ôn luyện cùng IDP!

Hiểu rõ về cấu trúc Cause and Effect essay cùng cách trình bày bài viết hoàn chỉnh sẽ giúp bạn khám phá ra những mối liên hệ mật thiết giữa các chủ đề khác nhau. Hy vọng với những thông tin trên, bạn có thể dễ dàng trình các luận điểm của mình một cách rõ ràng và có logic nhất.

Để có thể chinh phục điểm số cao khi gặp dạng bài này, đừng quên luyện tập thường xuyên với những tài liệu ôn tập miễn phí từ IEDP. Bạn cũng đừng quên tìm hiểu cách tính điểm IELTS Writing để nắm rõ những tiêu chí được giám khảo chú trọng đánh giá. Từ đó, bạn sẽ tập trung vào việc thể hiện bài viết hoàn chỉnh và ghi điểm cao hơn. 

Và khi bạn đã sẵn sàng, hãy đăng ký thi IELTS với IDP ngay

Về bài viết

Published on May 07, 2024

Quỳnh Khanh

Tôi là Quỳnh Khanh - Content Writer có hơn 5 năm về lĩnh vực giáo dục

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• School Education /

Essay on Exercise in 500+ Words for Students in English

• Updated on  
• Jun 25, 2024

What are your physical fitness goals? How much do you weigh? Do you plan on running a marathon next year? The goal of all these questions is different but they involve a set of similar activities; Exercises. Physical exercises are activities that improve or maintain physical fitness and overall health. Engaging in exercise helps individuals stay physically fit and promotes mental well-being. Today, we will discuss an essay on exercise for students to highlight its importance and benefits.

Table of Contents

• 1 Why do we Exercise?
• 2 Types of Exercise
• 3 Should We Make Exercise a Habit?

Why do we Exercise?

Exercise is like any activity that requires physical effort and helps maintain physical fitness and overall health. When we exercise, our bodies undergo numerous physiological changes, such as an increase in heart rate, which further pumps more oxygen-rich blood to our muscles. This delivery of oxygen further benefits the muscles’ ability to perform efficiently and helps improve cardiovascular perseverance. 

The above effects further lead to improvements and long-term adaptations in our bodies. Further regular exercise also leads to: 

• Regular exercise helps reduce the risk of heart disease and improves cardiovascular health conditions. 
• Methodical exercise benefits in strengthening the muscles and making them more resistant to fatigue.
• Weight-bearing exercises help restore bone formation and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. 
• Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels. 

As per the study published in The Lancet Psychiatry in 2018, people who exercised were found with 43.2 percent fewer days of poor mental health than those who did not exercise. The numbers are sufficient enough to elaborate on the powerful link between physical activity and the importance of mental health in our lives.

Quick Read: Essay on Athletics

Types of Exercise

Now, as you come to know about the importance of exercise in our daily lives, similarly, it should also be noted that not all exercises are equally effective. Different physical activities offer unique benefits. 

To understand it more, let us learn about some main categories of exercises:

1. Aerobic exercise: Aerobic exercise is also known as cardiovascular exercise. This physical activity helps increase heart rate and breathing. Examples of aerobic exercise include running, cycling, swimming, and brisk walking. It is important to know that Aerobic exercise is an excellent workout for cardiovascular health and calorie burning.

2. Strength Training: A strength training exercise that works against resistance to build muscle strength. This type of exercise includes weightlifting, bodyweight training, and resistance band workouts. Strength training is important for the growing age as it helps maintain muscle mass. 

3. Flexibility Exercises: Flexibility exercises include stretching and practicing yoga. These physical activities improve in range of motion, reduce the risk of injury, and also help in the relaxation of muscle tension. 

4. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): HIIT involves exercises of intense activity followed by periods of rest or lower-intensity workouts. This type of exercise is highly effective for improving fitness and burning calories in a short amount of time. 

Quick Read: International Olympic Day Essay

Should We Make Exercise a Habit?

Although we all know the benefits of exercise, many people still struggle to make it a regular part of their lives. To overcome this hurdle, here are some strategies that could help one make exercise a regular habit.

• Begin your workouts with goals that can be easily achieved. Doing 10 minutes of exercise a day is better than none. 
• Find activities that you enjoy. Doing exercise does not mean going to the gym. Dancing, hiking, or sports serve the same purpose that is counted as exercise.
• Schedule your exercise like any other important appointment in your daily schedule. Mark your calendar and stick to it.
• Find friends or a team to exercise with. Support of social groups increases one´s motivation and makes exercise more enjoyable.
• The market is full of fitness applications. Find a fitness app and wearable devices that help keep track of your progress and motivate you. 
• 75 to 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise and 150 to 300 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity help reduce the mortality of cardiovascular disease by 22% to 31%

Exercise is a powerful tool that not only helps one physically but mentally. Understanding the benefits of exercises, exploring the types of workouts, and developing strategies for doing regular aerobics helps enhance one´s well-being. 

Either go for a brisk walk or do a yoga session, find whatever works for you. Physical activity should be a joyful part of your daily life and trust that your body and mind will thank you for it. 

Also Read: Essay on Fitness

Ans: We all have physical fitness goals and every type of exercise can help us achieve our goals. Exercise keeps us healthy, strong, and energetic. Further, it improves one´s mood, helps in sleeping better, and reduces the risk of health diseases. 

Ans: Exercise improves focus and memory. Workouts help boost self-confidence and lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Ans: Exercise strengthens one body, improves the health of the heart, and maintains a healthy weight. It increases energy, boosts flexibility, and strengthens the immune system.

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For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay writing page and follow Leverage Edu.

Deepika Joshi

Deepika Joshi is an experienced content writer with expertise in creating educational and informative content. She has a year of experience writing content for speeches, essays, NCERT, study abroad and EdTech SaaS. Her strengths lie in conducting thorough research and ananlysis to provide accurate and up-to-date information to readers. She enjoys staying updated on new skills and knowledge, particulary in education domain. In her free time, she loves to read articles, and blogs with related to her field to further expand her expertise. In personal life, she loves creative writing and aspire to connect with innovative people who have fresh ideas to offer.

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