IELTS writing task 2

IELTS writing task 2 essay types and paragraph suggestions

The number of recommended paragraphs, a list of typical essay types, and suggestions for paragraph topics.

Zu Pixels

• 2 min read
IELTS writing task 2 essay types and paragraph suggestions
Photo by Aaron Burden / Unsplash

Number of paragraphs

It is typically recommended use four paragraphs:

  • Introduction
  • Paragraph 2: Strong points
  • Paragraph 3: Stronger points
  • Conclusion

Paragraphs 2 and 3 must each have their own main topic that depends on the essay type.

Essay types

  1. Problems and solutions
  2. One-sided opinion
  3. Two-sided opinion
  4. Two-sided discussion
  5. Other

Problems and solutions

Identification

The question mentions a situation and then asks to discuss the problems and solutions.

Question examples:

  • What are the causes and how can they be solved?
  • What are the negative impacts? What can be done about the problem?
  • Why is this the case? How can it be solved?
  • Introduction
  • Problems
  • Solutions
  • Conclusion

Alternative (less recommended):

  • Introduction
  • The secondary problem/cause and its solution
  • The primary problem/cause and its solution
  • Conclusion

One-sided opinion

Identification

The question asks for your opinion and then you decide to make it fully one-sided.

Question examples:

  • To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Is this a positive or negative development?
  • What is your opinion?
  • Introduction
  • Strong reason
  • Stronger reason
  • Conclusion

Two-sided opinion

Identification

The question asks for your opinion, but your opinion isn't fully one-sided. Alternatively, the question asks you to provide an opinion along with listing advantages and disadvantages which implies that since you acknowledge both you won't be able to fully support just one side.

Question examples:

  • To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Is this a positive or negative development?
  • What is your opinion?
  • Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Introduction
  • The side you support less
  • The side you support more
  • Conclusion

Two-sided discussion

Identification

The question asks to discuss 2 opposing views regarding a situation. It does not ask for your opinion.

Question examples:

  • What are the benefits and drawbacks?
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
  • What are the positive and negative points?

Discuss both sides and do not give an opinion.

  • Introduction
  • Advantages
  • Disadvantages (negative points can often be stronger)
  • Conclusion

Other

If there is a question that differs from all types described above, just ensure to put the stronger views in the second paragraph as it helps the essay to flow nicely.