Different Essay Types for IELTS Writing Task 2
For both the Academic and General Training Writing tests, during Task 2, you will be asked to write an essay. Task 2 is worth more than Task 1, so you must do this part well to get a high band score.
Note: The General Training test has easier topics than the Academic test. You’re also more likely to see a two-part question on the General Training test.
Make sure you know how to answer all of the different task 2 question styles.
The different styles are
Discussion
Discussion with an opinion
Opinion only
Problem solving
Problem solving with a discussion
Problem solving with an opinion
The two-part question
The two-part question with an opinion
What’s the difference?
A discussion means you talk about both sides of the question.
Example task:
In many countries nowadays, young single people no longer stay with their parents until they are married but leave to study or work somewhere else.
Do you think this trend has more advantages or disadvantages?
An opinion means you use words like, ‘I think/ I believe/ In my opinion/ I agree/ I disagree.’
Example task:
People visiting other countries should adapt to the customs and behaviours expected there. They should not expect the host country to welcome different customs and behaviours. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Problem solving means you identify the problem and then offer some solutions that could fix or help the problem.
Example task:
In some countries, the average weight of people is increasing, and their levels of health and fitness are decreasing. What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?
For the two-part question, you must answer both questions separately, one question for each paragraph.
Example task:
Competitiveness is considered to be a positive quality among people.
How does competitiveness affect individuals?
Is competitiveness a positive or negative quality?
For all of these styles, you should write a 4-paragraph essay.
Important points to remember
An 'opinion' question asks for your view, not the views of other people, and you do not have to give both sides of the argument. Just make your opinion clear in the introduction. Then explain it in the rest of the essay.
A 'discussion' question requires you to write about both sides of the argument, and you should write a similar amount for each view. If the question also asks for your opinion, you do not need an extra paragraph. Just make it clear in the introduction and conclusion which of the two views you agree with.
A ‘problem solving’ essay can be easy. Simply write a paragraph explaining the problem(s) and a paragraph explaining the solution(s). Some questions ask about 'causes' or 'effects'’ These would be part of the 'problem' paragraph.
For a ‘two-part question,’ just answer the two questions. Write one paragraph about each.
How to Answer Any Task 2 Question
Here are some thinking steps to answer any task 2 question:
Read the question very carefully, maybe three times. Ask yourself, what's the topic? What is the question asking me to write about?
Underline the key things that must be included in the essay. Always answer every part of the question.
Now think about the 4 paragraph structure. Can you write any essay in 4 paragraphs? And you need to decide what to put in each paragraph.
If you need to give your opinion, you should think, what is the easiest opinion to explain? What good vocabulary could I use?
Then write down some vocabulary ideas that are related to the topic.
Try to write 2 sentences for the introduction. Introduce the topic, and then give a simple answer, including your opinion if the question asks for it.
Write short topic sentences to start each paragraph, and then develop your ideas by explaining and supporting examples based on your own knowledge.
Look at the question from time to time to check that you are answering every part of it.
You probably write about 9 or 10 words per line. So quickly check the approximate number of words that you have written. It is essential to count words in your essay.
If you need more words (to reach 250), expand one example in the main body paragraphs. If necessary, draw an arrow to show where you want to add the extra words. Do not make the conclusion longer. This is not a good idea. The conclusion should only be one or two sentences.
Still don’t know the difference?
If you’re still struggling with the different types of Task 2 essays, it’s best to reach out to an IELTS expert for help. An expert can help you by going over the different styles as well as giving you comprehensive feedback (ie, letting you know what you’re doing wrong and how to do it right).
CLICK HERE to book a meeting with one of our IELTS experts.
