In the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Writing test Task 2, you need to write an essay with at least 250 words. This applies to both the Academic and General training modules.
But should you approach all essay questions the same way? The answer is 'no.' That's because there are different types of questions you might get. It is important to know what each question is asking you to do. Even if your grammar and vocabulary are excellent, you could still lose points if you don't understand the task. So, let’s take a closer look to make you understand all about IELTS Writing task 2 essays to help you score higher on your IELTS test.
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Types of essays in IELTS Writing task 2
There are different types of essays in the IELTS Writing Task 2, you can use these in your IELTS test preparation to score higher:
1. Opinion essay
These essays are often known as 'agree or disagree' or 'argumentative' essays and are quite common in IELTS Task 2.
The question usually starts with a statement. Afterward, you'll be asked for your own opinion about that statement. They might use these kinds of phrases:
What do you think?
Do you agree or not?
How much do you agree or disagree?
Example question:
With traffic jams and pollution increasing every year in big cities, some people say that public transport should be free in big cities to help reduce these problems which are caused by cars.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
At the beginning of your essay, it's a good idea to share some background information. However, what's really important is to rephrase the words used in the question and also show where you stand on the issue. For instance:
”With the growth of middle classes around the world, ownership of motor cars has become much more common, particularly for those who reside in large urban areas. It has been argued that free public transport should be provided in these metropolises as a method to curb the amount of polluted air and traffic congestion. This essay will explain why this approach should not be undertaken for cost and mobility reasons.”
Regarding your body paragraphs, it's crucial to focus on a single main idea that you elaborate on and expand. You can achieve this by providing more details about a specific point, offering an example, discussing a result, or even acknowledging an opposing viewpoint.
2. Discussion essay
In discussion essays, you're required to talk about both sides of an argument. Typically, you'll also be asked for your own opinion. The simplest way to tackle this kind of IELTS Task 2 question is to select one perspective to support and another to oppose.
Example question:
Some people say that children should learn a foreign language when they are in kindergarten, but others feel that it is better for children to do this when they are teenagers.
Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.
The key concept to grasp in a task like this is that your response should have three components:
Discuss both of these perspectives (1st and 2nd part)
Present your own opinion (3rd part)
In your introduction, it's essential to address both of these perspectives, and indicating your stance can also be an effective approach. For instance:
“Given that the world has become more globalised, the need to be able to use foreign languages has increased. As a result, there are those who believe that a child’s kindergarten years should be when another language is introduced, while the opposing view is that it is ideal to wait for when a youngster reaches adolescence. This essay will reflect on both of these viewpoints before concluding with why the infancy argument is more valid.”
When you 'discuss both of these perspectives' in your body paragraphs, remember to refrain from mentioning your personal viewpoint. This helps prevent any confusion between your own thoughts and the opinions of others.
Two-part questions
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you might get two-part questions. These questions require you to address two different aspects or viewpoints related to a specific topic or issue. It's crucial to understand how to approach and structure your response to effectively address both parts of the question and provide a well-rounded answer.
Typically, two-part questions will ask you to:
Discuss both sides: You will be expected to present arguments or perspectives from different angles. This involves examining the pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, or contrasting viewpoints on the given topic.
Give your opinion: In addition to discussing both sides, you will also need to express your own opinion or position on the matter. This means you should clearly state whether you agree or disagree with the topic and provide reasons for your stance.
To approach these questions successfully, follow these steps:
Introduction: Begin by introducing the topic and paraphrasing the question. Make it clear that you will discuss both sides and express your opinion.
Body Paragraphs: Dedicate one paragraph to each side of the argument. Present the arguments, evidence, or examples supporting each perspective. Avoid revealing your opinion in these paragraphs.
Conclusion: Summarise the main points from both sides of the argument and restate your opinion. Your conclusion should offer a clear and concise summary of your position.
Remember to use appropriate transition words to guide the reader through your essay and maintain a logical flow between paragraphs. Additionally, ensure that your essay is well-organised and that you provide adequate support for your arguments. Practicing with sample two-part questions can help you become more proficient in handling this type of task in the IELTS Writing test.
Example question:
A
These days, many cities have problems when they grow quickly, such as accidents and traffic jams.
Why do these problems occur?
How do these problems impact people who travel for work or study?
B
A trend in current times is the need for many workers to spend time outside of company hours on answering text and e-mail messages for their jobs.
What problems does this cause for the worker?
What can be done to reduce the impact of these problems?
C
It is becoming very common these days for students to take courses over the Internet instead of in face-to-face classrooms.
Why are more students choosing this way of learning?
Is this a positive or a negative development?
In this type of task, you can write a body paragraph on each of the two questions, but it is important to fully understand what your focus should be. Try to match these tasks (A, B, or C) with the type of response required:
Task Type | Sample Question |
|---|---|
Cause + opinion | A, B, or C? |
Cause + effect | A, B, or C? |
Cause + solution | A, B, or C? |
We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights to improve your readiness for the various essay types you may come across in the IELTS Writing test.
In your IELTS journey, remember that consistent practice, careful analysis of question prompts, and effective time management are key elements to achieving success. So, keep practicing, stay focused, and approach each essay task with confidence to reach your desired IELTS score.
If you want to know more about the IELTS test, you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will help you with your queries.