how to identify essay type in ielts

Identifying the 5 types of IELTS essays

Get familiar with the different types of ielts essays..

Updated: August 25th 2023

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

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

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

The 5 types of IELTS essays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See this lesson about 3 types of Advantage Disadvantage essays

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

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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.

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:

To what extent do you agree?
Do you agree?
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:

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

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

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

ii) Cause Solution

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

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

5) Direct Questions Essays

Some teachers call these the Two Question Essay. 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?

As you can see there are three questions to answer in this essay question. It is not common to get three questions. If you get three, just tackle them one at a time in a logical order.

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.

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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.

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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How to Identify the Type of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2?

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, you come across any of the different types of essays. For some essays, you are required to give opinion but for some, you are not. Many a times, it is seen that students find it confusing when it comes to identify the essay type. They are not able to distinguish which essay is opinion based and which is not. So, let us get clarity on this confusion.

Read the Question Carefully

The very common silly mistake students do while solving IELTS writing task 2 is to immediately start writing without carefully reading the question. If you do in this way, you will miss out on scoring well in the criterion of task response. You may be writing in any direction without keeping in mind the objectives of the question. In order to understand the question, thus, it is extremely important that you read questions at least 2-3 times.

Underline Keywords and Identify Tasks

Once you do first reading of the essay question in IELTS writing task 2, underline the main keywords during your second reading. This would let you be focused on the key points in the essay and the main topic of the essay. Furthermore, you are also able to identify the tasks in the question. Now, how to identify tasks? Let us know with the help of an example below:

Global warming is increasing at an alarming rate.

What are the reasons of global warming?

What are its possible solutions ?

In the above IELTS writing task 2 question, you can notice the underlined keywords and now, “Global warming is increasing at an alarming rate” is the topic of your essay or in other words, this is your essay statement. Then you can see that this statement is followed by two questions; “What are the reasons of global warming?” and “What are its possible solutions?” These are the signs of the tasks you have to do while writing your essay. Hence, reasons and solutions are the two tasks you have been asked in this question. In the first body paragraph, you can mention the reasons of global warming while in the second body paragraph, you can write about the possible solutions.

Indicators of Opinion Based Essays

How to identify whether your personal opinion has been asked in the question or not? For this, you may find out the pronoun “you” in the question most of the times. For instance,

To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Notice the word “you” here, it shows you have to write about your views on the topic. In many IELTS training institutes, it is taught not to write in personal tone here using “I”, “we”, “you” etc. and to write the opinion in passive tone. However, if you search online, reputed tutors do not see there’s a problem in writing in personal tone. So, in both ways, you can write your opinions.

For example, if the question is as below:

Burning of fossil fuels is the most important factor of global warming.

To answer in passive tone, you may write as:

Though there are many causes of global warming, it is considered to be mostly caused by the consumption of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum.

To answer in personal tone, you may write as:

Though there are many causes of global warming, I believe that it is mostly caused by the consumption of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum.

Other forms of IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion based question:

What do you think about this statement?
Do you agree?
Do you think so?
What is your opinion?
Discuss the two views and write your own opinion

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How to Identify the Type of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2?

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How to identify the type of essay in IELTS Writing Task 2

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is a pivotal component of the exam, demanding candidates to exhibit their proficiency in expressing ideas coherently and substantiating arguments effectively. Within this task, test-takers encounter a diverse range of essay types, each necessitating a distinct approach. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of identifying and addressing different IELTS Writing Task 2 essay types: (a) agree/disagree, (b) advantage/disadvantage, (c) cause/solution, (d) discussion and giving your opinion, (e) multi-part essays, and (f) multi-part opinion.

Contextualization: Agree/disagree essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 present candidates with a statement or viewpoint, prompting them to express their agreement or disagreement. These statements are often general and may pertain to societal, cultural, or global issues, fostering a broad range of opinions.
Question and Task Response: The question typically begins with a statement like “To what extent do you agree or disagree?” Here, your task is to provide a clear opinion, supported by relevant arguments. A balanced approach, acknowledging nuances, is often appreciated by examiners.
Introduction: Briefly paraphrase the given statement, ensuring clarity and understanding. Clearly state your position, whether you agree, disagree, or hold a nuanced perspective.
Body: Present your main arguments, supporting your stance with logical reasoning. Include examples or evidence to reinforce your points, making your response more compelling. Consider presenting counterarguments and refuting them if applicable, showcasing a well-rounded understanding.
Conclusion: Summarize your main points, emphasizing the strength of your argument. Reaffirm your stance or propose a balanced view if necessary, demonstrating a nuanced perspective.
Contextualization: Advantage/disadvantage essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 require candidates to explore the positive and negative aspects of a given situation, trend, or development. The topics can range from technological advancements to social changes.
Question and Task Response: Typically, the prompt asks candidates to discuss the advantages and disadvantages and provide their opinion on the matter. It’s crucial to consider both sides and maintain a balanced perspective, showcasing a comprehensive understanding.
Introduction: Introduce the topic and its relevance, providing context for the discussion. Clearly state your position, indicating whether you find the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa.
Body: Dedicate separate paragraphs to advantages and disadvantages, ensuring a clear and organized structure. Support each point with examples or evidence, making your analysis more robust. Maintain a balanced approach, acknowledging the complexity of the issue.
Conclusion: Summarize key advantages and disadvantages, reinforcing the significance of your perspective. Restate your opinion or propose a balanced perspective, showcasing your ability to critically evaluate the topic.
Contextualization: Cause/solution essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 explore the reasons behind a specific issue or problem and propose effective solutions. These topics often revolve around societal challenges or global concerns.
Question and Task Response: The question may ask candidates to analyze the causes and effects of a particular issue and suggest viable solutions. A thorough examination of the problem is crucial, showcasing your analytical and problem-solving skills.
Introduction: Introduce the problem and its significance, providing context for your analysis. Clearly state the causes and effects, offering a comprehensive overview. Briefly preview suggested solutions, setting the stage for the upcoming discussion.
Body: Dedicate separate paragraphs to causes, effects, and solutions, ensuring a structured and logical progression. Provide detailed explanations and examples for each aspect, demonstrating a deep understanding. Discuss the feasibility and potential impact of proposed solutions, showcasing a pragmatic approach.
Conclusion: Summarize key causes, effects, and solutions, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue. Emphasize the significance of the proposed solutions, leaving a lasting impression on the examiner.
Contextualization: Discussion and giving your opinion essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 present a specific scenario or issue and ask candidates to discuss various aspects before expressing their opinion. These topics often delve into contemporary issues that require thoughtful consideration.
Question and Task Response: The question often begins with “Discuss” or “Consider,” prompting candidates to explore multiple facets of the issue. A well-rounded analysis and a clear opinion are essential for these essays, showcasing your ability to critically evaluate complex topics.
Introduction: Introduce the topic and its relevance, providing a brief background for your discussion. Briefly outline the aspects to be discussed, setting the framework for your analysis. Clearly state your opinion, indicating your stance on the issue.
Body: Dedicate separate paragraphs to each aspect, ensuring a structured and organized presentation. Provide thorough analysis and examples for each point, demonstrating your depth of understanding. Maintain coherence between paragraphs, ensuring a seamless flow of ideas.
Conclusion: Summarize key points discussed, emphasizing the complexity of the issue. Reaffirm your opinion and summarize your stance, leaving a strong concluding statement.
Contextualization: Multi-part essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 encompass a combination of different essay types within a single prompt. These prompts may involve discussing multiple viewpoints, causes and solutions, or advantages and disadvantages.
Question and Task Response: The question is multifaceted, requiring candidates to address each part adequately. It’s crucial to maintain clarity and coherence throughout the essay, showcasing your ability to navigate complex scenarios.
Introduction: Clearly outline the various parts to be addressed, providing a roadmap for your essay. Briefly state your stance or opinion, offering a concise overview.
Body: Dedicate separate sections or paragraphs to each part, ensuring a clear and organized structure. Ensure smooth transitions between sections, providing a seamless reading experience. Provide in-depth analysis and examples for each part, demonstrating your versatility in addressing diverse aspects.
Conclusion: Summarize key points from each part, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of the entire prompt. Reaffirm your overall stance or opinion, leaving a lasting impression on the examiner.
Contextualization: Similar to multi-part essays, multi-part opinion essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 involve expressing opinions on various aspects of a given topic. These essays require candidates to navigate through different facets of an issue, offering nuanced perspectives.
Question and Task Response: Candidates are asked to provide opinions on different facets of the topic, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive coverage. It’s vital to maintain consistency in expressing your opinions and critically evaluating each aspect.
Introduction: Outline the various parts to be addressed, providing a clear structure for your essay. Clearly state your overall opinion, setting the tone for the subsequent analysis.
Body: Dedicate separate sections or paragraphs to each part, ensuring a well-organized presentation. Ensure a balanced and nuanced expression of opinions, showcasing your ability to consider various perspectives. Provide supporting details and examples, substantiating the strength of your opinions.
Conclusion: Summarize opinions on each part, emphasizing the complexity of the overall topic. Reaffirm your overall stance or opinion, leaving a strong and lasting impression on the examiner.

In Conclusion: Mastering the nuances of IELTS Writing Task 2 essays involves understanding the contextualization, question, and task response specific to each type. Crafting a well-structured essay, with a thoughtful introduction, body, and conclusion, is key to achieving success in the IELTS Writing test. Remember, practice is the key to proficiency in handling diverse essay types encountered in the IELTS Writing task, providing you with the confidence to express yourself effectively in various scenarios. Best of luck with your IELTS Writing endeavors!

The Different IELTS Essay Types & How To Approach Them

Oct 23, 2023 | IELTS Test

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

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

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

What Are The Different IELTS Essay Types?

image of Chinese student writing an essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Discussion Essays

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

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

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

3. Advantages & Disadvantages Essay

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

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

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

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

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

How to Approach It:

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

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

5. Direct Questions Essay (or Two Questions Essay)

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

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

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

Tips For Approaching Different IELTS Essay Types

image of woman sitting at a desk writing on her notepad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Writing Techniques & Use Of Language In Different IELTS Essay Types

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

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

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

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

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

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

Approaching IELTS Essay Types: A Summary

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

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

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

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

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IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS Essay

How to Write an IELTS Essay

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

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

You can also watch a video of this lesson:

Essay Types

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The second lesson explains more about analysing essay questions.

How do I Write an IELTS Essay?

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

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

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

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

Write at least 250 words.

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

Introduction
Body Paragraphs

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

1) Introduction

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

You should do just two things:

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

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

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

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

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

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

2) Body Paragraphs

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

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

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

Here is the first body paragraph:

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

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

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

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

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

The final body paragraph gives the last negative effect:

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

3) Conclusion

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

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

Here is an example:

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

The Full IELTS Essay

(290 Words)

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Task 2 IELTS Lessons:

IELTS Task Response - 25% of your essay grade

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

Transitional Phrases for Essays

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

Writing an IELTS Essay Introduction

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

IELTS Music Essay: Understanding a Complex Question

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

Can you use Personal Pronouns in Essays for IELTS?

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

Using Substitution in IELTS to Improve Writing Coherency

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

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

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

The 3 Types of IELTS Opinion Essays in IELTS

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

Using Pronouns to Improve IELTS Essay Coherency

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

Improving Writing Coherence for IELTS essays

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

Paragraph Writing for IELTS: Building strong arguments

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

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2

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

How to Identify the Topic of an IELTS Essay Question

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

How to Identify the Task in an IELTS Essay

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

Thesis Statement Tips for IELTS Essays

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

IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Tips and Strategies

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

Writing an IELTS Essay Conclusion

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

Requirements for IELTS Band 7 in Writing

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

IELTS Problem Solution Essay Strategies and Tips

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

How to use brainstorming and planning to generate essay ideas.

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

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IELTS Essays : Five Types of IELTS Essays

by CANAM Group

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

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

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

IELTS Essays : Five Types of IELTS Essays

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

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

Introduction

Main Body Paragraph 1

Main Body Paragraph 2

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

IELTS Essay – Different Types of Essays

The five IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are as follows:

1.Opinion – Agree/Disagree Type

2.Advantages/Disadvantages Type

3.Problem and Solution Type

4.Discussion Type – Discuss both views

5.Two-Part Question Type

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

Opinion – Agree/Disagree Type

Common Question Words:

1.Do you agree or disagree?

2.To what extent do you agree or disagree?

3.What is your opinion?

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

Do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Essay Structure for this Type

1.Paraphrase the question

2.Express your viewpoint and list the main ideas.

1.Topic Sentence

2.Elaborate upon the topic sentence

3.Give a relevant example

Summarize the main ideas and give your opinion

Sample Answer

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

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

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

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

Advantages/Disadvantages Type

Common Essay Words

1.What are the advantages and disadvantages?

2.Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Sample Question

Technology is being used more and more in education.

2.Write main ideas

Summarize the main ideas

Problem and Solution Type

Common question words

1.Cause and Solution

2.Problem and Solution

Students are becoming more and more reliant on technology.

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

2.Give an outline sentence

3.Write a relevant example

3.Site a relevant example

Summarize the main point

Discussion Type – Discuss both views

Discuss both points of view and give your opinion

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

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

1.Paraphrase the statement or write both views

2.Write thesis statement

3.Give an outline sentence

4.Main Body Paragraph 1

Write the first viewpoint

1.Discuss this viewpoint

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

3.Write a relevant example to support this viewpoint

4.Main Body Paragraph 2

Write the second viewpoint

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

4.Conclusion

Summarize the essay

Write which viewpoint is better or more important

Two-Part Question Type

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

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

What factor contributes to job satisfaction?

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

IELTS Essay structure for this Type

2.Give an outline sentence stating both the questions

1.Write an answer to the first question

2.Explain the reason for the first question

3.Elaborate upon the first question further

4.Write an example

1.Write an answer to the second question

2.Explain the reason for your answer

3.Elaborate upon the second question further

4.Write a relevant example

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

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Essay Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essays- Benchmark IELTS

Essay Types
Double Question
Advantage Disadvantage
Problem Solution
Essay Length

Opinion essays are a very common writing task 2 essay type. As you would expect from the name, you need to write a well-structured IELTS writing essay topics that give your opinion. We’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know to write a great IELTS writing task 2 opinion essay. Let’s get started!

1.1 understanding the question, 1.2 example opinion questions.

Essay Structure for Opinion Essays
3.1 Identify key words and phrases

3.2 Organise your ideas

3.3 identify vocabulary, 4.1 introduction, 4.2 main body paragraphs, 4.3 conclusion.

5.1 Complete the sample opinion essay

5.2 Opinion Sample Essay

1. opinion essay overview.

An opinion essay is also known as an agree or disagree essay . As with all writing task 2 essays, you will have 40 minutes to write at least 250 words .

Read on to find out how to produce a great opinion essay.

It is important that you first understand what writing task 2 essay question you have been given before you start writing. The type of essay question you get will slightly change the structure of your essay.

Remember, there are five main types of writing task 2 questions:

Advantage/disadvantage
Double question
Problem/solution

You will be given an IELTS statement and a question . Here are some common questions/sentence starters that tell you that you have been given an opinion essay:

What is your opinion
Do you think…

To what extent do you agree?

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

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

The main aims of this type of essay are:

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

A common mistake test takers make when writing an opinion essay is that they treat it like an advantage/disadvantage essay and try to write about both sides of the argument in detail (see our guide on advantage/disadvantage essays and compare the difference).

For an opinion essay, you need to pick a side : it does not matter which side of the argument you choose, just pick the one that you can develop the best argument for.

However, you should briefly acknowledge the other side of the argument, and will show you how to do this in your introduction , main body paragraphs, and conclusion .

You should not give reasons to support the opposing argument , only support one side with reasons and examples.

Make it clear to the examiner what your opinion is from the beginning to the end of your essay (this is called a thesis-led approach: leading with your opinion).

Here are some example opinion writing task 2 questions to help you recognize them in the IELTS exam:

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

What is your opinion?

Also, read the following IELTS Essay Writing Guides

IELTS Discussion Type Questions
Double Question IELTS Essay Topics
IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Type
Problem Solution IELTS Writing Task Statement

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

Do you think students should pay for higher education?

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

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

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

2. Essay Structure for Opinion Essays

Although there is more than one way you could choose to structure your essay, we have provided you with a foolproof structure you can always use for opinion essays to score highly in Coherence and cohesion , as well as address all parts of the task to do well in Task achievement :

3. Planning your Opinion Essay

Don’t skip this step! Taking 5 minutes to plan your essay could be the difference between your desired score and a missed opportunity.

3.1 Identify keywords and phrases

By identifying the topic of your essay, you are making sure that you are going to write about the correct topic and not go off-course. Test takers that rush and panic can make the mistake of writing about a completely different topic to the one they have been asked to write about. Don’t be one of those test taskers and make a plan !

Let’s take a look at the question for our sample answer where we have underlined the topic words:

The topic words are underlined and show the general topic of this essay question is protecting endangered species .

Now that we have identified the topic sentence, we should also look for any other keywords or phrases that give more information about the topic. Look at the words in bold below:

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

So this question is not only asking you to give your opinion on protecting endangered species, but also the amount of money that is spent on this cause.

A test taker that had only addressed the first point would likely have scored poorly in Task achievement.

There are so many ways you could choose to organize your ideas. We have chosen to note down our ideas by paragraph:

We give more note taking and idea generation tips in Master Guide for IELTS writing task 2 .

If any useful IELTS vocabulary for writing comes to mind during the planning process, it is useful to write it down so you don’t forget (remember to cross out any notes or planning before the end of the 40 minutes so the examiner does not mark this as your essay).

4. Writing your Opinion Essay

Paraphrasing means being able to write something in your own words without changing the meaning . This is an essential skill needed for the IELTS exam, especially writing task 2.

There is no one right way to paraphrase an IELTS statement. You could choose to use synonyms or parallel expressions (phrases with more than one word but have the same meaning). You could also change the sentence structure, but make sure it is still grammatically correct. Another paraphrase technique is to change a word class, for example, a noun to a verb form.

Take a look at our example, can you see the main changes we have made?

Although this is a formal essay, you are still allowed the use of the first person ‘I’ and ‘my’, you will need to use this when giving your opinion (just don’t over-do it).

Notice that in this example, the opinion has been clearly stated whilst presenting both sides of the argument :

Opinion: However, my view is that more government funding should be used for wildlife conservation.

Other side of the argument: It is argued by some that the protection of endangered animals is wasteful.

Not all sample essays will show this, but you can choose to briefly state what your essay will do, for example:

This essay will explain my opinion in more detail.

Now let’s move on to the main body paragraphs.

A topic sentence is usually found at the beginning of your paragraph. This should give the reader the main idea of your paragraph in one sentence.

Here are two examples taken from the sample answer:

One reason that I believe more money should be spent on the conservation of wildlife is that animals are an essential part of maintaining the health of an ecosystem.
Another reason to support spending on wildlife protection is that it also benefits humanity.

The start of your sentence indicates to the reader that you are clearly stating a reason for your opinion and that you are going to develop this idea throughout the paragraph.

You could also choose to start your topic sentence with the following structures:

One reason that I believe…
One argument in favor of… is that…
The main reason that I think…
Another reason to second…. (note that second here means ‘ to agree with an idea ’ )

You could also use the grammatical structure ‘ Not only… but also…’ to avoid repetition and put emphasis on the second reason, for example:

Not only does spending money on conservation help the animal kingdom, but it also benefits society as a whole.

Not only will preventing the extinction of species help the animals themselves, but it will also have a positive effect on the quality of air, water, and agricultural land.

As this is an opinion essay, it is essential that you use a range of phrases to give your opinion. Far too often, candidates just repeat the phrase ‘In my opinion…’ Here are some other sentence starters you can use to impress the examiner

My point is that…
I am of the opinion that…
My argument is that…
As far as I am concerned,…
In my view…

Your conclusion is a very important part of your essay. You need to restate your opinion (in different words than your introduction) as well as choose the most convincing argument from your essay.

Remember to also briefly mention the other side of the argument to show the examiner that you understand there are two sides and you have clearly chosen one.

Here is a useful structure to do this:

Although it is true that… on balance I believe that/ I am of the view that/ another opinion phrase)…

And here is the full example from our sample essay :

… although it is true that there are valuable uses for funding that could aid environmental protection, on balance I am of the opinion that governments should invest in the protection of endangered species.

5. Example Opinion Essay and Exercise

Now it’s time to test your knowledge about IELTS writing task 2 opinion essays. We’ve created a model answer, but removed some of the keywords and phrases.

You need to select the correct missing words and complete the model answer. Good luck!

5.1 Complete the Sample Opinion Essay

These days, the number of species facing extinction is growing, and as a result, a larger number of people are becoming involved in environmental issues. It is argued by some that the protection of endangered animals is wasteful. However, my view is that more government funding should be used for wildlife conservation. This essay will explain my opinion in more detail.

One reason that I believe more money should be spent on the conservation of wildlife is that animals are an essential part of maintaining the health of an ecosystem. If a species becomes endangered, it signals that an ecosystem is out of balance. As a result, the loss of one species may trigger the loss of others and may lead to irreversible consequences for the animal kingdom.

Another reason to support spending on wildlife protection is that it also benefits humanity. For example, if the ecosystem is out of balance then the health of the environment is also negatively affected, for example, the loss of wildlife can affect the quality of clean water and air for a population. In addition, the fertility of agricultural land may also be reduced with the loss of certain species. Having said that, there are those that argue that this is a costly and inefficient use of public funds. They think that money would be better spent on other schemes such as renewable energy projects.

In conclusion, having looked at the topic in detail, although it is true that there are valuable uses for funding that could aid environmental protection, on balance I am of the opinion that governments should invest in the protection of endangered species. The main reason is that the protection of wildlife will not only benefit the animal kingdom, but also the human race and the environment we inhabit.

2 thoughts on “IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essays- Benchmark IELTS”

Hey. Thanks for a great material. I have one concern though. In the ” common questions in opinion essay” part, you mentioned this question ” Discuss both view and give your opinion.” But isn’t it included to the “Discussion essays”??

Hi, I just wanted to ask this question cuz it made to think about it thoroughly.

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IELTS Academic Task 1: How to Identify Patterns and Group Data

March 27, 2024 By Ben W Leave a Comment

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In the pursuit of achieving a Band 8 in the IELTS Academic Task 1, mastering the skill of identifying patterns and grouping data is paramount.

The ability to discern trends, make comparisons, and organise information effectively not only demonstrates proficiency in data analysis but also enhances the clarity and coherence of your written response.

This article aims to provide you with a practical guide to navigate four common types of data representation encountered in the Task 1: pie charts, line graphs, flow charts, and bar charts.

Practical Guide:

Pie Charts: Understanding Composition: Begin by examining the sections of the pie chart and identifying the proportions each segment represents.

Highlighting Key Points: Focus on the largest and smallest segments, as well as any significant variations or outliers. Comparing Categories: Analyse the relationships between different categories and highlight any notable disparities or similarities.

Providing Context: Offer context by describing the significance of each category and explaining its relevance to the overall data.

Example Sentence: “The pie chart illustrates the distribution of household expenditure across various categories, with the largest proportion allocated to housing expenses, followed by transportation and food costs.”

Line Graphs: Identifying Trends: Examine the trajectory of the line graph to identify trends, fluctuations, or patterns over time.

Highlighting Peaks and Troughs: Pay attention to peak points, troughs, and any sudden spikes or dips in the data, indicating significant changes.

Describing Relationships: Describe the relationship between different variables plotted on the graph and elucidate any correlations or causal connections.

Interpreting Data: Interpret the data by explaining the implications of the trends observed and forecasting potential future developments.

Example Sentence: “The line graph depicts the fluctuation in global temperatures over the past century, revealing a steady upward trend with notable spikes in the recent decades, indicating a concerning acceleration of climate change.”

Flow Charts: Sequential Analysis: Follow the sequence of steps presented in the flow chart and identify the progression or decision-making process illustrated.

Identifying Nodes and Branches: Pay attention to decision points, branches, and nodes, and analyse the outcomes or implications of each step.

Tracing Paths: Trace the paths followed in the flow chart and identify any alternative routes or divergences in the flow of information.

Summarising Processes: Summarise the processes depicted in the flow chart and elucidate the significance of each step in achieving the desired outcome.

Example Sentence: “The flow chart outlines the process of product development, delineating the sequential stages from conceptualization and design to production and marketing.”

Bar Charts: Comparative Analysis: Compare the values represented by different bars in the chart and identify any significant variations or disparities.

Highlighting Extremes: Focus on the highest and lowest bars, as well as any outliers, to discern noteworthy trends or outliers.

Describing Distribution: Describe the distribution of data across various categories and elucidate the significance of any clusters or gaps.

Example Sentence: “The bar chart illustrates the distribution of educational attainment among different age groups, with the highest proportion of post-secondary graduates observed in the 25-34 age bracket.”

By honing your skills in identifying patterns and grouping data across diverse formats, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the complexities of the IELTS Academic Task 1 and strive towards achieving a Band 8 proficiency level.

Are you tired of endless essay revisions? Streamline your essay checking process with the fast AI essay checking tool that smart students swear by in 2024: Essay Check – Fast AI Essay Checking

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IELTS Essay Writing Made Easy For Engineers

Introduction to ielts essay writing.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test designed to assess English language proficiency for non-native English speakers. IELTS Essay Writing, The Writing section of the IELTS exam is crucial as it evaluates a candidate’s ability to express ideas coherently, organize thoughts logically, and use appropriate language and vocabulary.

A. Overview of the IELTS Writing Test

The IELTS Writing test consists of two tasks: Task 1 and Task 2. In Task 1, candidates are presented with a visual representation, such as a graph, chart, or diagram, and are required to describe and interpret the information in their own words. Task 2, on the other hand, involves writing an essay in response to a prompt or question provided by the examiners.

B. Importance of Scoring Well in IELTS Essay Writing

Scoring well in the IELTS Writing section is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it contributes significantly to the overall band score, which is crucial for immigration purposes, academic admissions, and professional certifications. Secondly, effective writing skills are essential for success in academic and professional environments, making a good performance in the IELTS Writing test highly valuable.

C. Purpose of the Essay

The primary purpose of the IELTS Writing test, especially Task 2 – Essay Writing, is to assess a candidate’s ability to present arguments, support ideas with evidence, and communicate effectively in written form. The essay tasks are designed to evaluate critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to express opinions clearly and persuasively.

II. Understanding the IELTS Essay Writing Task

A. breakdown of task 1 and task 2.

Task 1 in the IELTS Writing test focuses on descriptive and factual writing based on visual information. Candidates may encounter graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams and are expected to provide a detailed description, comparison, or explanation of the data presented. Task 2, on the other hand, requires candidates to write an essay expressing their opinions, arguments, or viewpoints on a given topic.

B. Key Differences between Task 1 and Task 2

One of the key differences between Task 1 and Task 2 is the type of writing required. Task 1 is more factual and descriptive, while Task 2 involves more analytical and argumentative writing. Additionally, Task 2 carries more weight in terms of scoring and band assessment compared to Task 1.

C. Grading Criteria for Each Task

The grading criteria for Task 1 and Task 2 differ slightly. Task 1 is assessed based on criteria such as Task Achievement (accuracy and completeness of information), Coherence and Cohesion (logical organization and linking of ideas), Lexical Resource (vocabulary range and accuracy), and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Task 2, on the other hand, is evaluated based on similar criteria but with a focus on argument development, thesis statement clarity, supporting ideas, and overall essay structure.

III. Top Tips for Task 1 – Academic Writing

A. understanding the task requirements.

Before starting Task 1, it is crucial to carefully read and understand the task requirements. Pay attention to the type of visual data provided (graph, chart, table) and the specific instructions regarding what information to include in your response.

B. Structuring Your Response Effectively

Organize your response in a clear and structured manner. Start with an introduction that summarizes the main trends or features of the visual data, followed by body paragraphs that provide detailed descriptions, comparisons, or explanations. Conclude your response with a summary or conclusion based on the data presented.

C. Using Data and Figures Appropriately

Use data and figures from the visual representation to support your descriptions and analyses. Include specific numbers, percentages, and trends to add credibility to your response and demonstrate your ability to interpret and analyze information accurately.

D. Vocabulary and Language Usage Tips

Use a wide range of vocabulary related to the topic of the visual data. Avoid repetition and strive for variety in your language use. Additionally, pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure to ensure clarity and coherence in your writing.

E. Practice Exercises and Sample Responses

Practice is key to improving your Task 1 writing skills. Engage in practice exercises that involve analyzing different types of visual data and writing responses accordingly. Review sample Task 1 responses to understand effective writing techniques and strategies.

Mastering Task 2 – IELTS Essay Writing

A. analyzing the essay question.

Before starting your essay, carefully analyze the essay question or prompt provided. Identify the key keywords, instructions, and requirements such as discuss, argue, evaluate, etc. Understanding the question thoroughly helps in crafting a focused and relevant response.

B. Planning and Organizing Your IELTS Essay Writing

Effective planning is crucial for a well-structured essay. Create an outline that includes the introduction, body paragraphs with supporting arguments and evidence, and a concise conclusion. Organize your ideas logically to ensure coherence and flow in your writing.

C. Introduction, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusion Structure

The introduction should provide context and a thesis statement outlining the main argument of your essay. Body paragraphs should develop each supporting idea with evidence and examples. Conclude your essay by summarizing key points and reinforcing your thesis.

D. Developing Arguments and Supporting Ideas

Each body paragraph should focus on a single idea or argument supported by evidence, examples, or data. Develop your arguments logically and critically analyze opposing viewpoints to strengthen your position.

Improving Skills through Practice: IELTS Essay Writing

Importance of regular practice.

Regular practice is the cornerstone of improving IELTS Writing skills. It allows candidates to develop fluency, expand vocabulary , enhance grammar and sentence structure, and boost overall confidence in expressing ideas effectively. Through consistent practice, candidates can familiarize themselves with various writing tasks, such as essays, reports, and letters, which are integral parts of the IELTS Writing test.

Utilizing Feedback Effectively

Feedback plays a crucial role in identifying strengths and areas for improvement. Candidates should actively seek feedback from teachers, tutors, or peers and use it constructively to enhance their writing skills. Analyzing feedback helps in understanding common mistakes, improving structure and organization, refining arguments, and refining language usage. By incorporating feedback into their practice, candidates can refine their writing style and address weaknesses effectively.

Resources and Tools for Practice: IELTS Essay Writing

Candidates should leverage a variety of resources and tools for effective practice. This includes IELTS preparation books, online writing courses, writing prompts, sample essays, and practice tests. These resources provide candidates with valuable insights into IELTS Writing expectations, strategies for different writing tasks, and opportunities to simulate exam conditions. By utilizing these resources effectively, candidates can enhance their writing skills and confidence ahead of the exam.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in IELTS Essay Writing

Misinterpreting the essay question.

One common pitfall is misinterpreting the essay question, leading to off-topic responses. Candidates must carefully analyze the question, identify key keywords, understand the task requirements, and plan their response accordingly. By staying focused and addressing the specific demands of the essay question, candidates can avoid this pitfall and produce well-targeted responses.

Overlooking Grammar and Punctuation Errors

Ignoring grammar and punctuation errors can significantly impact the overall quality of writing. Candidates should pay close attention to grammar rules, sentence structure, verb tense consistency, subject-verb agreement, and proper use of punctuation marks. Proofreading and editing are essential to identify and correct such errors, improving the readability and accuracy of the essay.

Rushing Through Tasks without Planning

Rushing through writing tasks without proper planning can result in disorganized and incomplete responses. Candidates should allocate sufficient time for brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, and editing their essays. Effective planning helps in structuring ideas, developing arguments, refining language, and ensuring a comprehensive and well-crafted essay.

Strategies for Self-Review and Improvement: IELTS Essay Writing

Self-assessment techniques.

Candidates should develop self-assessment techniques to evaluate their writing objectively. This involves comparing their essays against IELTS Writing band descriptors and scoring criteria to identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement. Self-assessment helps candidates track their progress, set realistic goals, and focus on specific areas for enhancement.

Identifying Areas of Improvement

Based on feedback and self-assessment, candidates should identify specific areas of improvement. This may include grammar and vocabulary skills, coherence and cohesion, argument development, task response, and overall writing style. By pinpointing weaknesses, candidates can prioritize targeted practice and effectively address gaps in their writing skills.

Conclusion and Best Wishes

In conclusion, enhancing IELTS Writing skills requires dedication, practice, effective utilization of feedback, and targeted improvement strategies. By focusing on regular practice, goal setting, feedback incorporation, and self-assessment, candidates can overcome common pitfalls, refine their writing abilities, and perform confidently in the IELTS Writing test.

Best wishes to all candidates for success in their IELTS Writing endeavors. With persistence, diligence, and strategic preparation

बंद करने के लिए ESC दबाएँ

आईईएलटीएस लेखन कार्य 2 में निबंध के प्रकार की पहचान कैसे करें.

में आईईएलटीएस लेखन कार्य 2 , you come across any of the different types of essays. For some essays, you are required to give opinion but for some, you are not. Many a times, it is seen that students find it confusing when it comes to identify the essay type. They are not able to distinguish which essay is opinion based and which is not. So, let us get clarity on this confusion. Read the Question Carefully The very common silly mistake students do while solving IELTS writing task 2 is to immediately start writing without carefully reading the question. If you do in this way, you will miss out on scoring well in the criterion of task response. You may be writing in any direction without keeping in mind the objectives of the question. In order to understand the question, thus, it is extremely important that you read questions at least 2-3 times. Underline Keywords and Identify Tasks Once you do first reading of the essay question in IELTS writing task 2, underline the main keywords during your second reading. This would let you be focused on the key points in the essay and the main topic of the essay. Furthermore, you are also able to identify the tasks in the question. Now, how to identify tasks? Let us know with the help of an example below: Global warming है increasing at an alarming rate. What are the reasons of global warming? What are its possible solutions ? In the above IELTS writing task 2 question, you can notice the underlined keywords and now, “Global warming is increasing at an alarming rate” is the topic of your essay or in other words, this is your essay statement. Then you can see that this statement is followed by two questions; “What are the reasons of global warming?” and “What are its possible solutions?” These are the signs of the tasks you have to do while writing your essay. Hence, reasons and solutions are the two tasks you have been asked in this question. In the first body paragraph, you can mention the reasons of global warming while in the second body paragraph, you can write about the possible solutions. Indicators of Opinion Based Essays How to identify whether your personal opinion has been asked in the question or not? For this, you may find out the pronoun “you” in the question most of the times. For instance, To what extent do you agree with this statement? Notice the word “you” here, it shows you have to write about your views on the topic. In many IELTS training institutes, it is taught not to write in personal tone here using “I”, “we”, “you” etc. and to write the opinion in passive tone. However, if you search online, reputed tutors do not see there’s a problem in writing in personal tone. So, in both ways, you can write your opinions. For example, if the question is as below: Burning of fossil fuels is the most important factor of global warming. To what extent do you agree with this statement? To answer in passive tone, you may write as: Though there are many causes of global warming, it is considered to be mostly caused by the consumption of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum. To answer in personal tone, you may write as: Though there are many causes of global warming, I believe that it is mostly caused by the consumption of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum. Other forms of IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion based question:

What do you think about this statement?
Do you agree?
Do you think so?
What is your opinion?
Discuss the two views and write your own opinion

प्रातिक्रिया दे जवाब रद्द करें

आलेख साझा करें:

आप इसे भी पसंद कर सकते हैं

उच्च स्कोरिंग आईईएलटीएस निबंध लिखना: एक चरण-दर-चरण मार्गदर्शिका

सामान्य आईईएलटीएस लेखन गलतियाँ और उनसे कैसे बचें

आपके परिवार में रखी गई किसी महत्वपूर्ण चीज़ का वर्णन करें: आईईएलटीएस बोलने के लिए एक क्यू कार्ड नमूना विषय

अन्य कहानियाँ, आईईएलटीएस लिसनिंग में शीर्षक मिलान वाले प्रश्नों को कैसे हल करें, आईईएलटीएस राइटिंग टास्क 1 में बार ग्राफ़ का वर्णन कैसे करें.

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Understanding IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types: Tips & Strategies
How to Identify the Type of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS Essay Types and how to identify them
IELTS Essay Question Types and Essay Structures
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IELTS Writing Task 2

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How to Identify the 5 types of IELTS essays in writing task 2
The 5 types of IELTS essays 1. Advantages and disadvantages essay 2. Opinion essays (sometimes called an argument essay) 3. Discussion essay 4. Two-part question essay (sometimes called a direct question essay) 5. Problem solution essay / causes solution essay Useful links. Model answers for the 5 types of IELTS essays. Planning your IELTS essay.
IELTS Essays: Five Types of IELTS Essays
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:
How to Identify the Type of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2?
Underline Keywords and Identify Tasks. Once you do first reading of the essay question in IELTS writing task 2, underline the main keywords during your second reading. This would let you be focused on the key points in the essay and the main topic of the essay. Furthermore, you are also able to identify the tasks in the question.
IELTS Essay Types with Writing Topics and Samples
There are five main types of IELTS writing task 2 essay types: Advantage Disadvantage. Discussion. Double Question. Opinion. Problem Solution. Read on for tips, sample essays and common mistakes made for each of these essay types. 2. Opinion Essays.
How to Identify the Type of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2?
The 5 types of IELTS Essays are: Cause and Solution Essay. Opinion Essay. Advantage and Disadvantage Essay. Discussion Essay. Direct Essay. When it comes to IELTS Writing task 2, one of the most common mistakes students make is jumping into writing without carefully reading the question.
How to identify the type of essay in IELTS Writing Task 2?
Many candidates sitting the test struggle to get the desired score. The reason is obvious: they fail to understand the essay task properly. There are five common types of essay in the IELTS Academic exam: Cause-and-effect essay. Opinion essay. Mixed essay. Two-views-and-opinion essay. Advantages-disadvantages essay.
How to Identify Which Type of IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay ...
Follow these points to identify the type of essay in IELTS writing task 2: Read the Question and Mark Keywords. Firstly, the IELTS writing task 2 essay question would be a very lengthy statement but actually, the real question is sandwiched between instructions and is written in bold. So, the statements written in bold are what you need to read ...
How to Identify the Type of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2?
There are 5 types of essays asked in Writing Task 2. Hence many students find it difficult to distinguish. The following slides will provide some clarity on it.
How to identify the type of essay in IELTS Writing Task 2
Agree/Disagree Essays. Contextualization: Agree/disagree essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 present candidates with a statement or viewpoint, prompting them to express their agreement or disagreement. These statements are often general and may pertain to societal, cultural, or global issues, fostering a broad range of opinions.
The Different IELTS Essay Types & How To Approach Them
This is because, depending on the type of essay you are being asked to write, it will alter the way in which it needs to be approached. These are the types of essays in IELTS Writing Task 2, and there are five of them that candidates like yourself should be aware of…. 1. Opinion Essays (or Agree or Disagree / Argumentative Essays) What It Is ...
Different Types of Essay in IELTS: 9 Tips to Write a Perfect IELTS Essay
Another kind of IELTS writing task 2 essay requires you to make distinctions between two items by listing their similarities and differences. For eg., Some people choose to live in homes, while others think apartments are preferable to houses. Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of living in houses versus flats.
How to Write an IELTS Essay: The key steps
1) Introduction. You should keep your introduction for the IELTS essay short. Remember you only have 40 minutes to write the essay, and some of this time needs to be spent planning. Therefore, you need to be able to write your introduction fairly quickly so you can start writing your body paragraphs.
IELTS Essays : Five Types of IELTS Essays
The IELTS exam's writing module's writing task 2 consists of writing an essay. This blog first discusses a general essay structure, then moves on to present five different types of essays. The blog also gives out how to write each essay type with a sample answer for one of the essay types.
Opinion IELTS Essay Type
Example Opinion Essay and Exercise. 5.1 Complete the sample opinion essay. 5.2 Opinion Sample Essay. 1. Opinion Essay Overview. An opinion essay is also known as an agree or disagree essay. As with all writing task 2 essays, you will have 40 minutes to write at least 250 words. Read on to find out how to produce a great opinion essay.
How to Identify the Type of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2?
Underline Keywords and Identify Tasks. Once you do first reading of the essay question in IELTS writing task 2, underline the main keywords during your second reading. This would let you be focused on the key points in the essay and the main topic of the essay. Furthermore, you are also able to identify the tasks in the question.
How to identify essay type in IELTS
How to identify essay type in IELTS | Writing task 2 | Academic & General.
IELTS ESSAYS: How to Identify The Essay Type and Generate ...
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How to Identify & Answer Two-part Question Types in IELTS Writing
Since you will have two questions to address, this is the best way to map out your ideas for the This is the best way to map out your ideas for the Two Part Essay: I. Introduction. II. First Question. III. Second Question. IV. Conclusion. Below, we will detail how each paragraph should be written.
How to Identify & Answer Discussion Question Types in IELTS Writing
IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structure - Discussion. There is one main, fool-proof way to outline this type of essay, and we suggest that you follow this without straying from the procedure. This is the best way to map out your ideas for the Discussion Essay: I. Introduction II. First View III. Second View IV. Conclusion
How to Identify & Answer Opinion Question Types in IELTS ...
How to Identify IELTS Writing Opinion Question Types. In an Opinion question type, you will be given a question which contains an opinion. Your task is to write an essay in response to the opinion. This type of question often asks if you agree or disagree with an opinion. Let's look at an example of this.
IELTS Academic Task 1: How to Identify Patterns and Group Data
This article aims to provide you with a practical guide to navigate four common types of data representation encountered in the Task 1: pie charts, line graphs, flow charts, and bar charts. Practical Guide: Pie Charts: Understanding Composition: Begin by examining the sections of the pie chart and identifying the proportions each segment ...
How to Identify Which Type of IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay is being Asked?
Follow these points to identify the type of essay in IELTS writing task 2: Read the Question and Mark Keywords. Firstly, the IELTS writing task 2 essay question would be a very lengthy statement but actually, the real question is sandwiched between instructions and is written in bold. So, the statements written in bold are what you need to read ...
IELTS Essay Writing Made Easy For Engineers
The IELTS Writing test consists of two tasks: Task 1 and Task 2. In Task 1, candidates are presented with a visual representation, such as a graph, chart, or diagram, and are required to describe and interpret the information in their own words. Task 2, on the other hand, involves writing an essay in response to a prompt or question provided by ...
How to Identify the Type of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2?
Underline Keywords and Identify Tasks Once you do first reading of the essay question in IELTS writing task 2, underline the main keywords during your second reading. This would let you be focused on the key points in the essay and the main topic of the essay. Furthermore, you are also able to identify the tasks in the question.

Identifying the 5 types of IELTS essays

The 5 types of IELTS essays

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

See this lesson about 3 types of Advantage Disadvantage essays

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

Practice Essay Questions for IELTS

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How to Identify the Type of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2?

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How to identify the type of essay in IELTS Writing Task 2

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3. Advantages & Disadvantages Essay

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IELTS Essays : Five Types of IELTS Essays

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IELTS Essay – Different Types of Essays

Opinion – Agree/Disagree Type