There are several common essay types in Task 2. Each one requires a different structure and approach. Below is a comprehensive guide to the five main IELTS Writing Task 2 essay types, along with tips for identifying and responding to them effectively.

​

1. Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree / To What Extent Do You Agree?)

​

Common prompts:

• To what extent do you agree or disagree?

• Do you agree or disagree?

• Is this a positive or negative development?

​

What’s required:

You must clearly present your opinion and support it with reasons and examples.

 

You can either:

• Fully agree

• Fully disagree

• Partially agree (balanced opinion)

​

Structure:

1. Introduction – Paraphrase the question + state your opinion

2. Body Paragraph 1 – First reason for your opinion

3. Body Paragraph 2 – Second reason for your opinion

4. (Optional) Body Paragraph 3 – Acknowledging the opposing view (for a balanced approach)

5. Conclusion – Restate your opinion and summarise main points

​

2. Discussion Essay (Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion)

​

Common prompts:

• Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

• Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

​

What’s required:

You must discuss both sides of an argument and clearly state your opinion. Don’t sit on the fence.

​

Structure:

1. Introduction – Paraphrase the question + briefly mention both sides + give your opinion

2. Body Paragraph 1 – Viewpoint 1

3. Body Paragraph 2 – Viewpoint 2

4. Body Paragraph 3 (optional) – Your reasoned opinion if not yet fully explained

5. Conclusion – Restate both views and your opinion

​

3. Problem and Solution Essay

​

Common prompts:

• What are the problems and how can they be solved?

• What are the causes of this problem and what solutions can you suggest?

​

What’s required:

You must identify problems (or causes) and propose solutions. Be specific and realistic.

​

Structure:

1. Introduction – Paraphrase the question and briefly mention the problem(s)

2. Body Paragraph 1 – Discuss the problem(s) or causes

3. Body Paragraph 2 – Suggest solutions

4. Conclusion – Summarise the main problem(s) and solution(s)

​

4. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

​

Common prompts:

• Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of...?

​

What’s required:

You need to present both sides and optionally state which is stronger.

​

Structure Option 1: (Balanced)

1. Introduction – Paraphrase question + outline both sides

2. Body Paragraph 1 – Advantages

3. Body Paragraph 2 – Disadvantages

4. Conclusion – Summarise and give your overall opinion (if asked)

​

Structure Option 2: (Opinion required)

1. Introduction – Paraphrase + state your view (e.g., advantages outweigh disadvantages)

2. Body Paragraph 1 – Advantages

3. Body Paragraph 2 – Disadvantages

4. Conclusion – Reaffirm your stance

​

5. Two-Part / Direct Question Essay

​

Common prompts:

• Why is this the case? Is it a positive or negative development?

• What are the causes of this trend? What are the effects?

​

What’s required:

You are asked two separate questions, and you must answer both clearly.

​

Structure:

1. Introduction – Paraphrase the statement + outline what your essay will do

2. Body Paragraph 1 – Answer the first question

3. Body Paragraph 2 – Answer the second question

4. Conclusion – Summarise both answers