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IELTS Essays: Five Types of IELTS Essays

There are 5 types of IELTS essays which can appear in IELTS writing task 2. These types of essays are for both GT and Academic writing task 2. Below you will find sample essay questions for each type of essay and links to model answers.

Please note that IELTS teachers sometimes divide essays into different categories based on how they teach. This means IELTS and teachers give essays different names and categorise them differently.

1) IELTS Opinion Essay

This type of essay is where you are presented with someone else’s opinion and you are asked if you agree or disagree with it. The opinion is often flawed or extreme in its views. Some teachers call this the Argumentative Essay. The instructions can be written in a number of ways. Below are a few examples:

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

No matter how the instructions are written, you can take any position you want: agree, disagree or partial agreement (balanced view). Below is an example essay question:

Some people think that only electric cars should be allowed on the road by 2040. Do you agree?

IELTS will not tell you which type of essay you are given. You must identify the essay type yourself by looking at the instructions and the task given.
The biggest mistake for an opinion essay is not giving a clear opinion. Writing “this essay will show that…” does not express your own opinion. Your opinion must be clear and remain the same opinion throughout the entire essay.
Another problem is when people sit on the fence without any clear opinion. A balanced view does not mean you agree with both sides fully. You can’t turn an opinion essay into a discussion essay.

2) IELTS Discussion Essay

This type of essay presents you with a statement and you must present the two sides. This might be two sides of the same issue:

Some people think there should be free health care for all people, but others disagree. Discuss both sides.

Or it might be two separate issues which you need to discuss:

Some people think that urban spaces should be used for parks rather than for housing . Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

3) IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essays

There are two types of questions in this category.

i) Advantage and Disadvantage Essay

This is similar to a discussion essay where you are given a statement must present the positive and negative side of the issue:

Some people think it is good for students to take a gap year before going to university. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so?

ii) Outweigh Essay

This is by far the most difficult of the two essay types in this category. It requires you to present an opinion and explain your opinion.

Some people think the world will eventually have only one language. Do you think the advantages of having one global language outweigh the disadvantages?

4) IELTS Solution Essays

There are a number of types of possible questions in this category:

i) Solution Only Essay

Some children have serious weight problems. What are the possible solutions?

ii) Cause Solution Essay

Children in rural areas are being left behind in their academic development. Why is this is the case? What solutions can you suggest?

iii) Problem Solution Essay

More and more people are moving to cities to look for work. What problems does this cause? What are the possible solutions?

iv) Cause Effect Essay

More and more people are moving from the countryside to cities. Why is this? What problems does it cause?

5) Direct Questions Essays

Some teachers call these the Double Question Essays or Two Question Essays. However, these types of essay questions might contain one, two or three questions for you to answer. Below are some examples.

Pollution around the world is becoming a serious problem. Do you think this is a problem that should be solved internationally or on a local level?

In the question above, you are asked one specific question. Your whole essay must tackle this question only.

More and more people are choosing to work from home. Is this a positive or negative development?

This essay question has just one issue and one question. You must explain what type of development you think working from home is.

Some people spend a lot of money on weddings. Why do they do this? Do you think it is good to spend a lot of money on weddings?

Above, you will see you have been presented with two questions to answer: reasons and opinion (evaluating if it is good or not.)

News editors decide what to print in newspapers and what to broadcast on TV. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more news was reported?

It is not common to be given three questions. However, it has appeared in the test before so I’ve included it in this list.

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Practice Essay Questions for IELTS

You can find over 100 essay questions to practice on this page: 100 IELTS Essay Questions . The questions are divided first into topics and then into essay types. This way you can get lots of practice before your actual test day.

Model Essays & Tips

You can find model essays for each type of IELTS writing task 2 on this page: IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Essays & Tips . You’ll also find tips for essay structure, paragraphing, linking words etc. Everything on this website is free for you to use.

Advanced Writing Task 2 Lessons

I also have advanced lessons for IELTS essays in my store which take you step by step through the techniques of writing a high band score essay. You can find my store here: Liz’s Advanced IELTS Store .

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When the question is asking, do you agree or disagree, should I give opinion about both sides or should I choose one side and just talk about it throughout the essay?

This is an essay asking for your opinion. IELTS will not force you to choose one side as your opinion. You can choose any opinion you want – a one sided view or a partial agreement (specific view point / balanced view). However, what you can’t do is turn it into a Discussion Essay with a neutral stance – you must have a position. See my advanced lessons for more help and details training: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

I faces the problem about the structure. Some teachers (including Ieltsadvantage) that in advantages/disadvantages, problems/solutions we should write 2 ideas in each paragraphs, because task asks list them in a plural form. However, I think 40 minutes is not enough to reveal totally 4 ideas in an essay. Please, what If I write only by 1 ideas in each body part? Will it impact my score in criteria Task response?

You need to be careful of teachers who give you black and white rules for IELTS essays. Such a rule does not exist in the marking criteria. Yes, the instructions mention plurals, but if you have only one main advantage, that is fine. A body paragraph with two advantages can hit the same band score as a body paragraph with only one advantage. So, if you can only think of one advantage, you can still get a band score 9 as long as it is well developed and each sentence is highly focused.

Thanks a lot for your reply.

However, I’m still worried about it. Are there exact statements from IELTS examiners? Because it sounds logically. If the task asks in a plural form, writing only one will not cover all the task and may affect my score in first criteria.

How to be with that? Have u faced with essays which got 8-9, writing only 1 ideas in each paragraph?

IELTS cannot penalise a person because that person knows of only one advantage and not two advantages. This does not exist in the marking criteria for Task Response. Ideas are marked, not on quantity or number of ideas, but on how relevant the ideas are and how well developed an idea is. Having just one relevant advantage in a paragraph allows for that idea to be well developed. Having two relevant advantages also allows for enough development for a high score. Having three advantages does not allow for sufficient development. Yes, it is entirely possible to get band 9 with only one main advantage.

Hi Liz, I have a question about the Discussion Type of essay. should I discuss both sides in a third-person perspective, or in a first-person perspective? Moreover, can I show my attitude when discussing both sides or can I just talk about them neutrally and give my opinion in a separate paragraph? Thanks a lot!

The discussion essay is about other people’s views. You discuss both of these views. You are usually also asked to give your opinion so you should state which side you agree with or if you have a sightly different, specific view of your own. You can find model essays and tips for free on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ If you need detailed training for each type of IELTS essay, see my advanced lessons: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Thanks a lot, Liz. I got it! So I can write ‘some people believe…’ since I’m discussing other people’s views. But I also need to write something like ‘I think…’ to show my point of view. Is that correct?

Exactly. Go and see the model essay so you can understand further.

Ok! Thanks a lot Liz! I read the model essay about education or skills, that’s really helpful!

Hello Liz, For direct question essays like “Pollution around the world is becoming a serious problem. Do you think this is a problem that should be solved internationally or on a local level?” Can I answer these questions by saying “In my opinion, this matter should addressed equally on both the international level and local levels” And then I can write 1 paragraph where locals can take responsibility for cleaning, recycling, etc. 2nd paragraph for reducing car use, stopping deforestation, etc.

This is asking you to have an opinion rather than discuss both sides equally. If you wish for a more balanced view, it cannot involve sitting on the fence. However, you can quantify your opinion. For example, pollution that is global must involve countries working together (meaning it needs international involvement), where as local issues can be solved domestically. All examples of such types of pollution would be given in the body paragraphs. Basically, your thesis statement must be carefully written to avoid sitting on the fence without an opinion.

Ohhhh I got it!! So if i wrote “Pollution is becoming a major global issue. However, while I believe that addressing it on a international level will be beneficial to the environment, I agree it is more important for locals to take the responsibility and care to reduce pollution.” and then like you said I will write more details and examples for both in seperate paragraphs Will this be better?

This is still similar to a discussion essay. A specific view point (balanced view) is when you divide things clearly. For example, in the situation A this side dominates, but in situation B something else dominates. For example, it actually isn’t possible to tackle microplastic in our oceans unless it is on the global scale. So, dividing your view into types of pollution is the key.

Here’s another example of an essay question: parents, not schools, should be responsible for teaching moral ethics to children. Do you agree?

With this Opinion Essay, it is not an opinion to say both parents and schools are important – that’s a discussion essay with both sides equal at all times and in all circumstances. A specific view point would be to say “it depends on the age of the child” – likewise, it depends on the type of pollution in the essay question previously. So, with this example of children and moral ethics, you could say that when children are young, parents have a stronger influence so therefore should be responsible, but when they are older, schools should take the responsibility. A specific view point (balanced view / partial agreement) means you’ve drawn a line in the sand which forms your opinion and your opinion depends on certain things.

If this type of approach is confusing, don’t try it because to get it wrong, don’t help your score. But there are certain essay questions when this approach is really really helpful to have conquered.

Thank you so much, Liz!! I am so grateful for you to help me out like this. So if I wrote “Pollution is becoming a major global issue. In my opinion, this problem should be addressed on an international level but when it comes to smaller issues, locals should take some responsibility to handle it.”

I use this approach a lot because it is easier for me to generate ideas and separate them into paragraphs. I find it scary to just totally agree, it is kind of difficult for me to write towards only one side.

Thank you so much once again.

Your thesis statement leans towards believing that most pollution needs to be solved internationally. When you say “this problem should be addressed internationally”, it means that this is your main belief and local problems present less of an issue. It’s a possible approach but reality doesn’t support it. Instead, it’s about saying “it depends on the type of pollution”. It’s about not choosing to side with one solution or saying one solution is more important, but saying, we need to look at this from a different angle, such as the types of pollution. For example – with pollution types A and B, we need international efforts, but with pollution C and D it needs to be local. Of course, the types of pollution are kept for the body paragraphs.

You could write: In my opinion, whether pollution should be tackled internationally or locally depends on the type of pollution and whether the problem extends beyond borders. (using the words “it depends” allows for you to present a specific view point.)

Of you could write: I believe that certain types of pollution can only be tackled by international cooperation, whereas other issues need to be addressed locally. (saying “certain types of pollution” and “other issues” indicates you plan to be specific about the types in your essay – and your body paragraphs would make it very very clear precisely which issues must have international cooperation and which must be addressed locally instead.)

Be careful of saying this is about big or small issues. Some local types of pollution are critical and deadly – they are not small issues. Don’t forget IELTS is a language test, you need to practice being careful with your words and also careful with your ideas. The more awareness of ideas and language you show in your essay, the better your score. But never never take chances – always be cautious to avoid errors.

I totally agree that taking a specific view point can be easier when it comes to unique ideas for separate body paragraphs. But the challenge is the way you approach and present those ideas.

Thank you so so so much, Liz!! I actually understand so much better now. I have to read the question properly and understand it. It makes so much sense to tackle it according to the type of pollution.

Just think this way – you’re saying – I’m not going to choose one side only because the reality is that “it depends” – it depends on certain factors, it depends on circumstances, it depends on types, it depends on age, it depends on X and Y … etc. Sorry it took me time to get to the point – it’s evening and I’m pretty tired. But I think you’ve got it 🙂

hi Liz, i couldn’t find the sample answers link, which you have mentioned above. i wanted to know the ans structure for each of these 5 essay types.

I’ve just edited the page above and put a link to model essays. Check the page again and see the link.

Hi Liz, I really hope you can recover completely soon. I just started to read your blog very carefully today. My friend, who used to be a former IELTS examiner, highly recommended your blog to me. I have taken IELTS three times. 7.5 for both GT and A. However, my writing stayed at 6.5 without improvements. I want to ask whether I should find a writing teacher to coach me hand in hand. I will have my next exam on Nov. 3. I do hope to reach 7 as this time it will be very critical for me. Thank you and look forward to your reply.

There are a number of reasons why people don’t hit band score 7 in writing: 1) Task Response – people don’t tackle the issue precisely and extremely directly. Instead they add extra details and extra sentences that aren’t really required, thus lowering their score. 2) Task Response – their topic sentences are not well written which means the rest of the body paragraph also lacks focus. 3) Task Response – they haven’t fully understood the issue given. 4) Grammar – they aim for complex sentences which are actually not fully controlled and contain errors. This is usually because they aim to impress rather than aim for accuracy. Avoiding errors as much as possible is key for band 7. 5) Vocabulary – they try to paraphrase at times when they shouldn’t and this leads to poor word choice which lowers their score. 6) Their body paragraphs do not contain unique points and supporting points over lap from one body paragraph to another – Coherence & Cohesion 7) They fail to give a direct opinion when asked or they sit on the fence – Task Response 8) They write a limited overview in task 1 instead of a full overview with plenty of key features – Task Achievement 9) They spread key features in body paragraphs and overview which lowers their score – Task Achievement and Coherence & Cohesion 10) Their body paragraphs are confusing and information jumps about – Coherence & Cohesion 11) They lack data to support their statements in the body paragraphs – Task Response

Those are some of the key reasons for not hitting band 7 in writing. As you see, Task Response in the task 2 essay is one of the main reasons. With language, it is mainly poor choices and lack of control. And the other really key reason is task 1 – people often forget that although task 1 is 33% of their marks, those marks can often make a difference between band 6 and band 7.

One other reason I didn’t mention for not getting band 7 is that each time people fail to hit their band 7, they make their writing more and more complicated thinking this is the way to improve their score, when in fact they are going in the totally wrong direction and getting worse. Before you spend money on a teacher, I would first recommend that you review my model essays on this website, which are all free: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ . See the simplicity of how the essays are structured, see how clear the ideas are presented, see the equal development of each body paragraph – see how similar all model essays are – this is because that is the right way to write an IELTS essay. If you can learn simplicity of writing with clear structure, clear ideas and controlled language – you will improve. That page also contains loads of extra tips which are essential for a high score.

Certainly, you could find a teacher and review your approach with them. Make sure whatever feedback they give you is not just a repetition of the band score descriptions, but advice based on your own writing. Try learning about the band scores and marking for yourself first so that you can judge how good the teacher is: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2-band-scores-5-to-8/ . And make sure the teacher is not trying to sell you special techniques that promise a good score, but instead help you bring your writing back under control with clear explanations relating to the marking criteria.

I also have advanced writing task 2 lessons in my store which might help: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . They take you step by step through each paragraph. An IELTS essay isn’t complex, it is other people who make them overly complex thus reducing their score. If you are worried about your grammar, there is a grammar e-book which takes you through complex language and specific grammar features to get that higher score. It also reviews key grammar points like articles, prepositions, word order etc. That might help as well.

But start with my free materials first because you might find that those are enough to clear your mind and review your approach. This is the page for task 1: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/ . Again, see how clear each model answer is and the general content, length etc.

hi liz, in this postive negatives development essay…can we write both type of developments?? is it okay to write it like… in my opinion there are certain postive as well as negative aspects of this development. can we write this…please answer

It is important that you do give your opinion. You are being asked “A or B?” – positive or negative. When you are asked to choose, it is your opinion that you express. You can’t sit on the fence. If some aspects of the issue are positive and other aspects are negative, you must be specific about that in your thesis statement. You can vaguely say it is both negative and positive.

Hello, I’m gonna take up IELTS test in about 10 days. Firstly I thank you for helping me a lot through your work. In the outweigh essay, should I show contrast between why this is advantageous than the other and then present my opinion which means 2 body paragraphs Or else one body paragraph as advantages and second body paragraph as disadvantages and 3rd body paragraph as why advantages outperform the disadvantages and my opinion. Finally conclusion. Kindly help me with this

When you show which is more than the other, that is your opinion. Your opinion isn’t something different. When you say “I believe X is more than Y” you are expressing your opinion. See this page to review all my free model essays: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ and if you need training to understand in depth, get my advanced lesson in my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Hi!!!! I’m gonna write my ielts test withing 10 days. Firstly I would like to thank you for your enormous support as I’ve learnt a lot from this website. So if the ielts writing question is like this – Discuss both sides and give your opinion. Should I write it with 3 body paragraphs like discussion on 1 side and then the other side and finally my opinion followed by conclusion. Or 1 body paragraph with both the sides and the next body paragraph with my opinion. Kindly help me with this

It depends if your opinion is the same as one of the sides given. If your opinion is the same, you can’t have a separate paragraph because you would be repeating the same points of agreement. So, in that case, just express that this is the part you also agree with. If your opinion is specific and doesn’t fully agree with either side, then you must have your own body paragraph to explain your opinion. Good luck in your test! If you struggle with any other writing, see my advanced lessons in my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

hi liz, i am taking the ielts next month, so i sincerely hope u can answer my question soon. What about tasks that asks u to give both reasons and opinions? For example, “Research say fewer consumers are influenced by adverts nowadays. Why is this the case? Do you believe this to be a positive or negative development?” So what should be my approach to this question type? Should i focus on detaling the causes and state my opinion briefly at the end or should i dedicate one paragraph to each question?

As you see, your task contains two questions. You can’t decide that one question is more important than the other. They are both equally important. You must have a body paragraph that states the causes and you must have a body paragraph that explains why you think it might be more positive and less negative or more negative and less positive. Always approach IELTS in a logical manner.

Hi Liz, I will take the test very soon but have some doubts regarding the Reading and Listening section. If in these sections, I write the wrong noun form, will my score be reduced? Suppose the answer is ‘bag’ but I have written ‘bags’, is it wrong?

And also, if the answer is ‘not relevant’ but I have written ‘irrelevant’, will it be wrong?

Either your answer is 100% correct or it is wrong. If you write a singular noun but the answer is plural, your answer is wrong. You also can’t paraphrase answers. The answer must be written precisely as you hear it in the listening test or see it in the reading passage.

Hello, Liz! I wonder can we hold a neutral view in “positive or negative” essays? I’ve found some questions that we really can have a balanced opinion online, so at this point what should I do?

The biggest problem people have is understanding the words “balanced view”. A balanced view is definitely NOT neutral. Not at all. If you take a neutral position for an opinion essay you will fail on Task Response and get a low score. A balanced view means you don’t have an extreme view, such as fully agree or fully disagree. It is more like a partial agreement, where there are aspects you are agreeing with, but not fully. Or it is a specific view point that is unique to you. But it not neutral. You must have a very clear opinion every time you are asked to give an opinion or to choose. See my advanced lessons if you struggle with it: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Thank you, Liz, but I’m afraid I didn’t make it very clear, I just wonder could we say both “negatives” and “positives” in such an essay? As in your model you just mentioned the positivities or negativities if I don’t make it wrong.

I’m sorry. I understand you. Yes, giving both positives and negatives is possible but not by sitting on the fence. You must still present them within your opinion. If you think the positives are more important then you make sure that is clear in your body paragraph and in that case you will also believe that the negatives, whilst existing, are less important – you also make that clear as well. Does that help? Let me know if I’ve miss understood your point.

Yeah, that’s very clear to me. Thank you again for your patience, Liz! That’s totally reasonable to me now!

Hello Liz, I just saw my test results and wanted to tell you about the questions they asked me here in Australia.

In Task 1 of the writing section, they presented a table and a graph. The main topic was the number of internet searches made between 2004 and 2010. The table showed the total searches in 2004 in billions and the number of searches in 2010, also in billions. It was a line graph where the vertical axis showed the percentage and the horizontal axis showed the years (moths with years). The lines represented the different search engines like Google, Yahoo, and two others that I can’t remember.

Regarding Task 2, the essay was about the issue of overweight. Some people think it could be solved by increasing the prices of fattening foods, and the question was how much I agreed with this. They asked for examples from personal or close experiences.

Honestly, I didn’t achieve the required score, but still, this is an excellent source for studying, and I will continue using it to achieve the score I need. Thank you so much, Liz!

Thanks for sharing 🙂 Wishing you the best of luck with your target score!!

Hi Liz, I hope you are doing well. I really do not understand what kind of question is it. I think it is an opinion essay but sill have some doubts. Could you please tell me how to solve this kind of questions? “Many countries are experiencing population growth and need more homes. Should these new houses be constructed in existing cities or should new towns be built in the countryside?”

This is a Direct Question Essay with only one question. It is asking you for your opinion about two possible options. Your task is to decide if you think there should be housing rather than new towns or whether you think there should ne new towns instead of housing. You present your view and then explain it.

Thank you so much Mam.

Hii dear liz, First of all thank you very much for providing us such kind of informative content. I have lot of learn things from your videos and written materials. I have an issue in grammer. Could you please give me any idea which would assist me to overcome my grammatical error….please let me know as soon as possible

I understand. Grammar is counts for 25% of your marks in IELTS writing. This is the reason I put together my Grammar E-book for Writing task 2. You can find it in my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Thank so much Mam

Response to opinion based essay:

Electric cars are progressively replacing non-electric cars by the end of 2040. While it is possible that electric ones will eventually replace the other cars, it is unlikely that they will end up serving the same purpose. This essay will discuss why only few electric cars will be carried out by people.

Electric cars may eventually replace non-electric cars that are not compatible for the environment. Many people think that only electric powered vehicles should be allowed on the road because they emit far less emissions,and less maintenance is required. In China, for example many non-electric motors have been replaced by plug-in vehicles that are more environment friendly and budgeted. For these reasons, cars that can be replaced by electricity will be replaced.

Conversely, there are multiple factors that only electric cars will not be allowed only. Put simply, these factors include affordability and infrastructure development. A necessary framework including charging stations, grid capacity must be required. Without charging stations, drivers may face anxiety and hesitant to switch to electric cars. Additionally, switching completely to electric ones will increase a demand of charging from the grid stations.

It is increasingly likely that powered vehicles will end most non-powered cars. In most of the countries, traveling will be done entirely by electric cars; however, where the money and development are major issues they will always exist. Ultimately, addition of very few electrical cars is valuable but it is not a complete replacement of other cars.

Please get my advanced lessons to learn the correct way to write an IELTS essay: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . Each advanced lesson takes 1 hour for me to explain how to write one type of essay. It isn’t something I can explain in a short message. An IELTS essay has specific requirements which you need to learn about. If I could give you small pointers, I would. But you really need to learn the right way in detail.

dear Liz i am very grateful to u for presenting helpful notes here. they are truly informative. i downloaded your series of grammar book last year and learned quite good topics that i used to find challenging. do you have any grammar notes for IELTS beginners?

Sorry, I don’t have anything for beginners. My Grammar E-book basically covers everything I can thing of. Is there something specific you are interested in? If you let me know, I could plan to create something.

Hlo mam ..I am not able to use proper grammer in task 1 ..and to be honest I don’t know which grammer is to be use in different graphs charts etc could u plz tell me mam..r can u plz tell me the accurate souce where ..would I find ..proper … instructions tht how to or what grammer we should use in task 1..I would be very helpful if u rply…??

I don’t have one page or one lesson which focuses on all aspects of grammar for all types of task 1 writing. I suggest you review all my model answers and make notes on sentence structure, tenses, prepositions, articles, noun phrases, clauses, word order etc etc. Model answers can be used for more than only studying structure or general content. Then review all practice lessons and also pay attention to the grammar being used. There’s a lot of free materials to study: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/

hy liz i want to sample answers of ielts academic writing task 2

Model essays and tips for writing task 2 are found on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Hello Liz, please I want to be receiving updates to enable me prepare for my IELTS exam.

There are over 300 page of practice lessons, tips, model answers and topics on this website which you should be using now for your IELTS preparation. Go to the HOME page to learn how to use this website. I post new lessons and tips once or twice a month because my website already has so many tips and lessons.

Hello mam, thank you for your great note in this important topic. In concern of how to organize the body of the essay writing I think it is hard to follow the arrangement of the question you gave on the note. Can use each paragraph for each opinion and add an introduction and a conculsion for that to develope my essay writing ?

You can find free model essays, tips etc on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ You can find advanced lessons and e-books in my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Hi Liz, Do I write and underline my headings for example, do I write an introduction underline, and do the same with other headings?

My second question is do I write an introduction, overview, Paragraphs 1&2, then conclusion for task 2, essay writing?

As you can see from my model essays, no titles or headings are required for your essay. The paragraph format you can find tips for on the main writing task 2 page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ You’ll also find model essays on that page.

Hi Liz, Kindly advise which are the two top essay types that frequently appears on the test day. I am expecting to take IELTS test two weeks from now and think I do not have enough time to practice all 5 question types. In addition, I assume that each question types are not equally tested. Thank you for your kindness.

No matter what people tell you, all the types of essays are possible. Focusing on only two is really taking a risk. You have two weeks before your test which is quite a lot of time to review the five types and ideas for topics as well. If I had to pick two types of essays, it would be the Opinion Essay and the Discussion Essay – but it really could be any type. Here is my advice, get my three advanced lessons for writing task 2, together they will cover three types of essays in three hours all together. This is a link to my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . For the other two types of essays, review my model essays on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ , also review the linking words, how many paragraphs and other tips as well. Good luck!!

Hello Liz, is it okay to use templates for writing task 2 that is available online some say it decrease our band score while others say it will increase our band scores. I am really confused at the moment.

If you are aiming for a low band score, it’s fine. If you are aiming for a higher band score, it won’t help. The examiners are trained to spot the difference between a templated essay with memorised language in it and an essay that shows your own level of English.

I learnt a lot from Your lessons and only because of You I achieved the score I was aiming for. Honestly, thank You very very much. You are doing a wonderful job.

Best wishes from Lithuania!

I’m glad to hear you got the score you needed. Well done 🙂 Greetings to all in Lithuania!

I just want to ask, in the opinion essay, should we always present both sides? For instance, if the question only asks for our opinion on the matter (no mention of discussing both sides) should we still do it? Alternatively, can we just structure the essay to show our opinion and each paragraph elaborates on reasons why that is our opinion? Will doing it this way (not mentioning both sides) adversely affect our band score? Thank you!

I suggest you get my Advanced Lessons to learn properly. I generally don’t teach how to write an Opinion Essay in a short message. It takes me nearly an hour by video to do this. Here’s a link to my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Thank you so much Liz. This video has been helpful. I have a question.

In Britain, when someone gets old they often go to live in a home with other old people where there are nurses to look after them. Sometimes the government has to pay for this care. Who do you think should pay for this care, the government or the family? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Is this an opinion essay which will follow exactly the structure you just taught or a discussion essay.

This is a Direct Question essay. Please remember that each teacher gives different names for essay types. I call this the Direct Question Essay because you are being given a direct question to answer. It might be one question, two or even three questions. Your whole essay explains your answer.

Hi Liz Do you think this is a positive or negative development? What type of essay is this please?

I’ve just added it to the page above. Take a look.

Hello Liz: I recently came across this essay. My question is what type of essay is this? Do you have any model essays on this type of essay? The essay is: In your view, what is the most important thing for governments to spend money on: education, health, transportation, or something else? Give reasons for your answers and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

You said that you “came across” this essay question. Where did you come across it? Did you find it in one of the IELTS Cambridge test books? Only use authentic test questions. If you don’t use proper sources for your IELTS preparation, you will easily get confused about the test and this won’t help your preparation.

Thanks, Liz! This is now clear to me as I came across the question from a ‘model IELTS Essay topics’. published by a local company.

That sounds like the problem. You ought to use the IELTS Cambridge test books which are real test published by IELTS. I have collected over 100 essay questions over the years and they are also safe to use. You can find them linked to the main writing task 2 section of this site: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Thank you, Liz, for your comments and the link. I wish you good health and happiness!

Hope you are keeping well. I am not able to score more than 6.5 in my writing test. I have scored 8.5 in Listening, Reading & Speaking but writing disappoints every time. Where can I find model answer to evaluate where am I lacking? I have taken 2 computer based tests for far and scheduled 3rd one in 5 days. I need band score 7 in Writing to achieve my target.

You can find some model answers in the main writing task 2 section my website along with other essential tips: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ . I also have paid advanced lessons which might help you understand where you are going wrong. They can be bought in my online store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . Each lesson focuses on one specific essay type and explains paragraph by paragraph what to do.

Liz, thank you so much for your help. Two weeks ago I took the IELTS exam and surprisingly get 9 in Reading section!

Fantastic!! Well done to you 🙂

Hi Liz,I really need help with opinion essays especially for the part that asks to what extent do you agree or disagree?am I supposed to discuss both sides,thank you

I suggest you get my advanced lessons for the opinion essay: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . It isn’t something that can be taught in a short message.

Your materials and videos have sincerely been helpful. Thank you very much for such a selfless act. My exam is in a week time, I have only 10days to prepare for my IELTS GT. I would give you an update on how it goes. Cheers

Hi Liz! I am preparing for my IELTS and I have found your website very helpful, very precise information is given and it talk to the point. thank you for providing good content. keep up the great work.

reagrds Neha Shah

You’re welcome 🙂

Thanks a lot Liz . Your materials and tutorials helped me a lot in my preparation for my IELTS . Followed your tips and videos for 3 weeks . Able to score 7.5 overall.

Thank you again for the great help you provide.

Wonderful news! Very well done 🙂 It’s a great overall score!

Thank you so much Liz for the work you do. Your videos, website and materials helped me in my preparations. I just got my results, it was a band 8 overall. Have a splendid 2022.

Wonderful !! A great result! Wishing you all the best for 2022 !! 🙂

Hi Liz I’m from Sri Lanka. Thank you for all your guidance. Today I sat for IELTS academic paper. Task 1 was a bar chart, percentage of young people in higher education in for countries in 3 years. Task 2- news has no connection with people’s life so it’s a waste of time to read best from newspaper and watch news program on tv. To which extent do you agree. I hope these will help you. Waru

Hi Liz, I follow all your videos and they are very helpful. I gave my speaking exam last week. But now I think the cue card question was to describe a leisure activity I enjoy and I talked about a leisure activity I am planning to enjoy. I am really worried if it will affect my band score. But my talk was fluent . Can you give me your insights?

It won’t make any difference to your score. As long as your talk is based on the main topic (leisure activity), it’s ok. Your score won’t be negatively impacted in any way at all.

Hi Liz, Im Janet from kenya. thank you for the good work you are doing. im preparing for my exams in 4 weeks time. your content is very helpful and I like the way you explain things. im a slow learner and i find your pace very good for me. Thank you again. keep up the good job.

Good luck with your preparation and test 🙂

Thank you Liz

Hi Liz, hope you are doing well. Liz I have silly question I know but I’m really stuck in this problem and I was wondering if you can help me with this issue.. The problem is writing a topic sentence, you said in advanced lectures that topic sentence should be written carefully because it is kind of more important .. Please can you tell me that among these 2 topic sentences of BP1, which one is okay and looks relevant?

1] Although we are living in prosperous times, with people in many countries enjoying a higher standard of living than ever before, there are still millions of people in the world who are living in poverty.

2] Instead of wasting lots of money on exploration of space, governments ought to focus on local problems such as poverty eradication. There are millions of……

Essay statement; Space exploration is a luxury that we cannot afford. Instead of spending billions of dollars on space programs, governments should use this money to fight global problems such as poverty, disease and climate change. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion.

Kind regards

The first step is to underline the key words in the essay question: space exploration, spending billions, fighting global problems (examples). Now make sure your topic sentence covers those aspects. Neither of the topic sentences you have listed really works because, while the second one is obviously more carefully connected to the essay question, it doesn’t leave room for any other paragraph as you are tackling all problems in one paragraph. Also it switches from global problems to local problems which is confusing. However, in terms of which of your sentences connects to the essay question properly, it is the second one. This essay is all about funding for space exploration and whether it is relevant in today’s world or not given all our global problems.

I love your lessons and tips. They are really helpful and you are extraordinarily devoting. Here I have a question about the answer you left under Khola’s comment. What do you mean by “no room left for other paragraphs as you tackled all problems in one paragraph”?

Looking forward to your response.

Sincerely, Ella

It means that if you put all your ideas into one paragraph, you won’t have any more ideas for other paragraphs. By choosing one main focal point for one paragraph, you have the ability to use other ideas for other paragraphs. So many people say “I can’t think of how to make my essay long enough”. The answer is to be more careful about how you use your ideas. First, brainstorm ideas. Then select the best ideas. Then decide carefully which ideas can go into which paragraph. Then pay attention as to whether some ideas should go together or some ideas should be separated into different paragraphs. There is a lot to think about in the planning stage. It is crucial to plan carefully and strategically.

Electric cars are currently being developed by many well-known automotive companies. Many people still question whether electric cars are a feasible replacement for petrol and diesel-fuelled vehicles. In this essay, I will explore the opinions for and against the use of electric cars and their replacement of petrol and diesel-fuelled cars.

On one hand, electric cars are environment friendly. They require no non-renewable energy and are clean to run and maintain on the road. To support this opinion, recent studies show that the use of electric cars helps to curb pollution in urban and rural areas. Clearly, electric cars are one way to tackle ecological concerns and support a ‘greener’ environment.

On the other hand, electric cars are inconvenient to maintain and to dispose of. The driver of an electric vehicle must recharge his car approximately every 100 kms. In addition, the plutonium battery of an electric car is toxic to the environment and must be safely disposed of through expensive means. In brief, scientists are still exploring ways to produce these types of vehicles so that they are easier to manufacture, maintain and use safely.

To sum up, it’s evident that there are both pros and cons of electric vehicles. Despite the expense of development and the inconvenience of recharging electric cars, I still believe strongly that it is well worth the investment to continue research and production of these vehicles. To conclude, we should remain open, supportive to the use of electric cars and to their development in the future.

Recently i sat for IELTS exam, and the GT Writting Task 2 was about transport and they asked “ Do you think it has more advantages or more disadvantage?”

For this would it be option question or Adv/Disadv question? How is the structure for that type?

I wrote both sides and gave my opinion in the conclusion… but not sure if its right… i got 6.5 for writing.

Also, if you can advise how they ask the questions to determine what type of essay it would be so it can easy for us to identify.

Thanks and appreciate all your help.

That is an “outweigh” essay – do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Hi Liz I have my exam this week and searching for model questions for April 2021. I checked on your site but model essay questions were available till March so if you can recommend me to follow something for latest Also, can you please share me the link for model answers of March Model Essay Questions?

I am eagerly waiting to hear from you.

The model essays are to be used for all years of the test. The topics are often recycled and the techniques for essay writing are 100% the same as always. The test format hasn’t changed and neither has the marking. All pages of this site are 100% relevant to the test today.

I have purchased material from you in 2019 but somehow because of my system crash I could not recover anything. Please can you share the link to access the notes that will be very grateful as I want to reattempt IELTS again. Because of Corona, I was not in my town to connect with you regarding this.

I’ve just resent your access link. Check both your inbox and spam folder.

Hi I booked my test in May 2021 I was just wondering which one is latest book i can refer? I have heard Cambridge books are best but I’m not aware about which version i should go for. Your help would be really appreciated

The IELTS Cambridge books are numbered, at present, from 1 to 15. Number 15 is the most recent and was published in 2020. However, all the books provide useful practice. The general format of the test has not changed. I personally would recommend books from 7 to 15. In July 2021, book 16 will be published.

Hello Liz, this is my first message ever. I would like to thank you for your devotion. Can I start a “ solutions” body in the problem solution essay with “ to get around these problems “ as I found this linking device from the “ new scientist” journal whose translation is seemingly appropriate to that, at least to me.

This means a way to avoid the problem rather that solve the problem. So, it wouldn’t be appropriate for an IELTS essay which asks for solutions. It is better to use: The most effective way to tackle this problem is… X is the way to deal with this issue The answer to solving this problem is ….

Hi Liz, In my exam I got the question of “Are there more advantages or more disadvantages” Is it similar to “Do advantages outweigh disadvantages” ?

Yes, it is 100% the same.

Thanks mam these are quite useful essays.

In the public version of the IELTS writing marking criteria, some linkers are called mechanical and it limit your band score. Some teachers say words like firstly,On one hand,on the other hand are example. I notice you use such words or phrases in ur sample essays. Are they really mechanical? Can you enlighten on what the band descriptors calls mechanical linker

The linkers themselves are not mechanical. All the linking words you have written are suitable for IELTS up to band score 9. The problem is how people use them. It is there use that becomes mechanical. If you have three paragraphs and each one starts with a linking words: Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, it is similar to a machine that always does the same thing each time. So, to avoid this you must be flexible. So, use all suitable linking words, but use them flexibly. The mechanical use of linking words is typical of a band 6 in Coherence and Cohesion. This means that if you are aiming for band 7 and above, you need to use signposting more flexibly.

Your website and materials helped me a lot in my preparations for my ielts test.

I scored a band 8 overall after about 4 weeks of regular practice.

Thank you Liz for the work you do.

Great news! Very well done 🙂

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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.

For example, if the task asks you to discuss both views, advantages/disadvantages or problem/solution, then make sure you have one body paragraph for one idea and another body paragraph for another idea covered in your essay. The same goes with a direct question and opinion essay.

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.

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?

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?

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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Types of essays to expect in your IELTS Writing Task 2

Preparing for IELTS Writing? Read this article on the different types of essays you are likely to encounter in the test.

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In Task 2 of the IELTS Writing test, you are asked to write an essay of at least 250 words in both the Academic and General training modules. However, should you use the same approach to all essay questions? The answer to this question is ‘no’ as there is more than one question type to consider when writing your answer. It is important to understand what the task requires from you because you may lose marks unnecessarily, even if you have good grammar and vocabulary. Let’s have a look in more detail.

Opinion Essay

Here is a sample opinion essay question:

With traffic jams and pollution increasing every year in big cities, some people say that public transport should be free in big cities to help reduce these problems which are caused by cars. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In the introduction to the essay, you can provide some background information, but importantly, make sure you paraphrase the input language (the words from the question) and indicate your position on the matter. For example:

With the growth of middle classes around the world, ownership of motor cars has become much more common, particularly for those who reside in large urban areas. It has been argued that free public transport should be provided in these metropolises as a method to curb the amount of polluted air and traffic congestion. This essay will explain why this approach should not be undertaken for cost and mobility reasons.

When it comes to your body paragraphs, it is important to have one core idea that you extend and develop. You can do this by mentioning further explanation about a particular point, an example, a consequence or possibly a concession. Let’s compare the two paragraphs below:

Paragraph A

The reasons for not providing free public transport for urban residents are diverse. Firstly, there would be a significant cost for the government to pay for this, meaning they would have no option but to raise taxes for individuals rather than for industry which produces more pollution. Secondly, this would be unfair for those who need to use vehicles for more door-to-door travel, such as people who live far from train and bus stations or those who need to carry many things with them. Furthermore, if public transport is free, there would be overcrowding on trains and buses, meaning that people simply replace one type of inconvenience for another.

Paragraph B

Looking at the argument from a cost perspective, even though there is an initial financial advantage for commuters with savings made on fuel, at some point down the track this would be lost, as municipal governments would have no choice but to raise taxes to pay for the construction, management and maintenance of public transport facilities. If the funds allocated to this were invested in how to make vehicles greener instead, such as with electric cars, the issue of air pollution would be addressed in a more cost-effective way. For example, the city of Taiyuan in China now has better air quality partly due to the investment they made in electric taxis and buses.

Paragraph A addresses the question, but it does have some issues:

1. There is no topic sentence.

2. There are too many ideas. It is better to have one core idea which is expanded or extended rather than making a list of separate items.

Paragraph B is better developed than Paragraph A because:

It has a clear central topic (money)

The topic is extended with:

A concession

A consequence

Lastly, it is useful to end your essay with a conclusion. This is where you can review your answer (your position plus the main points from the body paragraphs) and finish off with a final thought or suggestion. For example:

To summarise, free public transport is not a viable option to reduce road blockages and improve air quality, as there are better cost efficient ways to do this and the mobility issues it can cause. Moving forward, cities around the world should adopt greener transport options whether they be public or personal to ensure better traffic flow with fewer impurities in the air.

Discussion Essay

Here is a sample discussion essay.

Some people say that children should learn a foreign language when they are at kindergarten, but others feel that it is better for children to do this when they are teenagers. Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.

The main thing to understand in a task like this is that there are 3 parts to the answer:

Discuss both of these views (1st and 2nd part)

and give your own opinion (3rd part)

When it comes to your introduction, it is important to mention both of these views, plus indicating your position can also be a good approach. For example:

Given that the world has become more globalised, the need to be able to use foreign languages has increased. As a result, there are those who believe that a child’s kindergarten years should be when another language is introduced, while the opposing view is that it is more ideal to wait for when a youngster reaches adolescence. This essay will reflect on both of these viewpoints before concluding with why the infancy argument is more valid.

When you ‘discuss both of these views’ in your body paragraphs, make sure you avoid mentioning your personal view. This can avoid any confusion between what you think and what they views of others are. Here are some introductory parts to the body paragraphs when discussing both views:

Looking at the kindergarten perspective firstly, the key reason why some claim this is a beneficial approach is …

With regards to waiting for the teenage years, supporters of this view argue that …

You will see that the writer has used phrases like ‘some claim’ and ‘supporters of this view’ to make sure that his/her own opinion is clearly separated. When introducing your own perspective, you can clearly mark it as follows:

On balance, my personal view is to support the former view because …

Weighing up both sides of the issue, despite the confusion a second language can cause youngsters in their development, I am of the belief that...

Two-part Questions

Another question type you may see in your IELTS Writing test is one where you have two separate prompts you need to answer. Here are a few examples:

These days, many cities have problems when they grow quickly, such as accidents and traffic jams. Why do these problems occur? How do these problems impact people who travel for work or study?

A trend in current times is the need for many workers to spend time outside of company hours on answering text and e-mail messages for their job. What problems does this cause for the worker? What can be done to reduce the impact of these problems?

It is becoming very common these days for students to take courses over the Internet instead of in face-to-face classrooms. Why are more students choosing this way of learning? Is this a positive or a negative development?

In this type of task, you can write a body paragraph on each of the two questions, but it is important to fully understand what you focus should be. Try to match these tasks (A, B or C) with the type of response required:

Task Type Sample Question

1. Cause + opinion: A, B or C?

2. Cause + effect: A, B or C?

3. Cause + solution A, B or C?

We can look at these sample questions in more detail now:

Why do these problems occur? = cause

How do these problems impact people who travel for work or study? = effect

Therefore, this matches Type 2.

What problems does this cause for the worker? = effect

What can be done to reduce the impact of these problems? = solution

Therefore, this matches Type 3.

Why are more students choosing this way of learning? = cause

Is this a positive or a negative development? = opinion

Therefore, this matches Type 1.

We hope you found this article useful in helping you better prepare for the different types of essays you are likely to encounter in the IELTS Writing test.

Achieve your desired band score in IELTS Writing

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IELTS Writing Task 2: How to understand IELTS question prompts

How to paraphrase and boost your IELTS Writing Score

Edit your IELTS Writing to avoid mistakes

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Types Of Essay

Five Types of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 with Samples

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?

1. opinion essay, sample of opinion essay , 2. discussion essay, sample of discussion essay, 3. problem solution essay, sample of problem solution essay, 4. advantages and disadvantages essay, sample of advantages and disadvantages essay, 5. double question essays, sample of double question essays.

The IELTS writing task 2 tests the essay writing skills of the students. There are 5 different types of essays in IELTS that 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 their 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 -

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 Essays 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.

Explore the 5 types of essay in IELTS with Gradding.com’s experts.

Also known as an agree/disagree essay or an 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 evidence 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.

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, it has a 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 type. 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. {{IELTS_mock_test}}

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 baffled 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 the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.

Online learning provides a flexible and easy alternative to classroom education. A lot of students have adopted this approach in the 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 that 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 the 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 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 type of IELTS writing task 2, i.e. problem solution essays.

Are you confused between different essays for IELTS?

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, evidence, 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 effects 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 a 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, the 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 there are practical solutions that can be used. By promoting the use of public transport and implementing emission control in industries, we can achieve a 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 that can be implemented.
Give examples and evidence 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, 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 to 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 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 the 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 to 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 evidence 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?

Double Question Essays are also known as Two-Part Question Essays. These are a crucial type of essays that 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 the 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, evidence, 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 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, and 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, 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 behavior.

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 evidence 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 essays 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. {{IELTS_writing_mock_test}}

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IELTS Essays: Five Types of IELTS Essays
There are 5 types of IELTS essays which can appear in IELTS writing task 2. These types of essays are for both GT and Academic writing task 2. Below you will find sample essay questions for each type of essay and links to model answers.
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How to recognise the 5 different types of IELTS Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.
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)
Types of essays to expect in your IELTS Writing Task 2
1. There is no topic sentence. 2. There are too many ideas. It is better to have one core idea which is expanded or extended rather than making a list of separate items. The reasons for not providing free public transport for urban residents are diverse.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types and Structures + Samples
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.
Five Types of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 with Samples
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.

IELTS Essays: Five Types of IELTS Essays

1) IELTS Opinion Essay

2) IELTS Discussion Essay

3) IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essays

4) IELTS Solution Essays

5) Direct Questions Essays

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IELTS Task 2 Essays Understand the 5 Different Types

1) Opinion Essays

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Five Types of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 with Samples

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

INTRODUCTION

BODY PARAGRAPH 1

BODY PARAGRAPH 2

Are you confused between different essays for IELTS?

DISADVANTAGE

Do You Want to Know About Other Essays in IELTS?

Practice Makes a Man Perfect! Take FREE IELTS Mock Tests

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