IELTS Task 2 Writing

The 4-Question Writing

Workbook

How to use this worksheet

This worksheet has 4 sample answers to the questions I used in my post about
The 4-Question Myth. You should take a look at this post and video first:
http://www.ielts7.guru/ielts-strategies/ielts-task2-writing-strategies/4-task-2question-type-myth/
Each sample answer follows and uses my ielts7.guru IELTS strategies.
1. Read through the different sample and pay attention to the organization.
2. After each sample essay, complete the graphic organiser with the topic
sentences.
3. Read the question, the topic sentences and the conclusion. Do they follow
every part of the question? Does the conclusion answer the final question in
the test rubric?

Page 1 of 10

IELTS Task 2 Writing Workbook

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Question 1
In many countries, governments are thinking about banning smoking in public places.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Over the last few years, large numbers of countries have become increasingly concerned about
smoking. The question is, should smoking be banned from public places?
On the one hand, there are several reasons why we should not be allowed to smoke around
other people. Firstly and most important is the health of others. Breathing in second-hand smoke
means people are more likely to develop other health conditions such as cancer. Secondly,
bystanders and other pedestrians should have the right to be in restaurants and other areas
without having to breathe cigarette smoke. In other words, just because a person may have the
right to smoke in private, it does not mean they have the right to force others to smoke.
On the other hand, this idea would cause some problems as well. One issue is that some
smokers would definitely complain. They would argue that not only is preventing them from
smoking in public areas unfair but they they have the right to smoke wherever they wish. Another
potential problem is the economic cost. A large number of businesses such as bars and
restaurants may need to close, which could mean the loss of jobs at these places and possibly
at cigarette companies as tobacco sales fall.
In conclusion, although banning smoking would lead to some short-term problems for smokers
and would cost some businesses money, on the whole it would reduce the percentage of people
who smoke and as a result it would make the population healthier. Therefore, I totally support the
public ban on smoking.
259 words
Complete the the graphic organiser with topic sentences from the essay.
Introduction

Over the last few years, increasingly large numbers of countries are concerned about
smoking in public. The question is, should smoking be banned from public places?

Paragraph 1
Topic sentence

Paragraph 2
Topic sentence

Conclusion

In conclusion, although banning smoking would lead to some short-term problems for
smokers and would cost some businesses money, on the whole it would reduce the
percentage of people who smoke and as a result it would make the population healthier.
Therefore, I totally support the public ban on smoking.

Does each topic sentence directly match the parts of the question?

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IELTS Task 2 Writing Workbook

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Question 2
In many countries, governments are considering whether to ban smoking in public places, or
whether to ban it everywhere.
Discuss both suggestions and give your opinion.

Over the last few years, large numbers of countries have become increasingly concerned about
smoking. The question is, should it only be banned from public places, or should people be
prevented from smoking anywhere?
To start with, there are many good reasons why people should not be allowed to smoke in public
areas. Firstly, the main argument for doing this is to reduce the effects of second-hand smoke on
non-smokers. This is mainly because inhaling second-hand smoke makes people more likely to
develop other health conditions such as cancer. Secondly, bystanders and other pedestrians
should have the right to be in restaurants and other areas without having to breathe cigarette
smoke. In other words, just because a person may have the right to smoke in private, it does not
mean they have the right to force others to smoke.
Turning to the other view, it can be argued that preventing people from smoking anywhere would
be a better solution. These people say that because the main goal is to improve the health of
society and discourage people from smoking, the government should make it as inconvenient as
possible to smoke. This means smoking needs to be banned everywhere to be truly effective.
However, the problem with this idea is that it means smokers would not be allowed to smoke at
all. In other words, one part of society would be taking away the right to choose from another
part.
In conclusion, although only banning smoking in public areas would make improve peoples
health and still protect peoples rights, I believe society has the right to discourage certain kinds
of behaviour. Therefore, I agree that smoking must be banned in all areas.
284 words
Complete the the graphic organiser with topic sentences from the essay.
Introduction

Over the last few years, large numbers of countries have become increasingly
concerned about smoking. The question is, should it only be banned from public places,
or should people be prevented from smoking anywhere?

Paragraph 1
Topic sentence

Paragraph 2
Topic sentence
Conclusion

In conclusion, although only banning smoking in public areas would make improve
peoples health and still protect peoples rights, I believe society has the right to
discourage certain kinds of behaviour. Therefore, I agree that smoking must be banned
in all areas.

Does each topic sentence directly match the parts of the question?

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IELTS Task 2 Writing Workbook

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Question 3
In some countries, governments are thinking about banning smoking in public places.
Discuss this idea, suggest another alternative, and give your opinion.

Over the last few years, large numbers of countries have become increasingly concerned about
smoking. The question is, should it only be banned from public places, or is there another
solution?
To start with, there are many good reasons why people should not be allowed to smoke in public
areas. Firstly, the main argument for doing this is to reduce the effects of second-hand smoke on
non-smokers. This is mainly because inhaling second-hand smoke makes people more likely to
develop other health conditions such as cancer. Secondly, bystanders and other pedestrians
should have the right to be in restaurants and other areas without having to breathe cigarette
smoke. In other words, just because a person may have the right to smoke in private, it does not
mean they have the right to force others to smoke.
However, there is an alternative. The best option is banning smoking completely for everyone,
everywhere. The main reason is that because the main goal is to improve the health of society
and discourage people from smoking, the government should make it as inconvenient as
possible to smoke. If this were done, there would be a dramatic fall in smoking rates, and in
smoking-related illnesses. However, the problem with this idea is that it means smokers would
not be allowed to smoke at all. In other words, one part of society would be taking away the right
to choose from another part.
In conclusion, although only banning smoking in public areas would make improve peoples
health and still protect peoples rights, I believe society has the right to discourage certain kinds
of behaviour. Therefore, I agree that smoking must be banned in all areas.
283 words
Complete the the graphic organiser with topic sentences from the essay.
Introduction

Over the last few years, large numbers of countries have become increasingly
concerned about smoking. The question is, should it only be banned from public places,
or is there another solution?

Paragraph 1
Topic sentence

Paragraph 2
Topic sentence
Conclusion

In conclusion, although only banning smoking in public areas would make improve
peoples health and still protect peoples rights, I believe society has the right to
discourage certain kinds of behaviour. Therefore, I agree that smoking must be banned
in all areas.

Does each topic sentence directly match the parts of the question?

Page 4 of 10

IELTS Task 2 Writing Workbook

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Question 4
In some countries, governments are thinking about banning smoking in public places.
Discuss this idea and give your opinion.

Over the last few years, large numbers of countries have become increasingly concerned about
smoking. I believe it should be banned for economic and health reasons.
To start with, smoking causes a number of health problems. First, smokers are more likely to
suffer from lung, throat and mouth cancer. However, because smoking is very addictive smokers
find it difficult to quit on their own. Making it more difficult to smoke will make it easier for them to
quit as well as reduce the number of people who start smoking. Second, smoking is responsible
for second-hand smoke, which in a crowded space such as a pub or bar has a similar affect as
smoking on innocent bystanders including children and other adults.
Furthermore, it imposes short term and long term costs on society. Initially, the main problem is
the habit itself. In many countries, smoking is an expensive habit, which affects the poor more
than the rich. In other words, because the poor have lower disposable incomes, they have to
spend a greater proportion of their income on smoking instead of on food, education or on their
children. In the long term, the health costs related to treating cancer are very high. This is unfair.
Society should not have to pay for the bad decisions of others.
In conclusion, smoking not only harms our health but it also costs our society a great deal of
money. Therefore, I believe that smoking must be banned in public.
246 words

Complete the the graphic organiser with topic sentences from the essay.
Introduction

Over the last few years, large numbers of countries have become increasingly
concerned about smoking. I believe it should be banned for economic and health
reasons.

Paragraph 1
Topic sentence

Paragraph 2
Topic sentence

Conclusion

In conclusion, smoking not only harms our health but it also costs our society a
great deal of money. Therefore, I believe that smoking must be banned in public.

Does each topic sentence directly match the parts of the question?

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IELTS Task 2 Writing Workbook

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Answers:
In every essay, the topic sentences directly match the question.

IELTS Tip
1. In your essays, plan your essay so that each body paragraph matches part of
the question.
2. Introductions can be very short.
3. Conclusions should summarise the key points/topic sentences from the body
paragraphs (but while using some different language), and then finish with a
statement that directly answers the question in the IELTS Writing question

Now it is your turn!

Action steps
1. Read the two essay questions on another topic.
2. Complete the graphic organizer with a very simple introduction, topic
sentences, and a simple conclusion.
3. Compare to the answer key.
If you have any questions about this sheet, or the task, please email me at:
ben@ielts7.guru

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IELTS Task 2 Writing Workbook

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Practice Question 1
Most governments agree that the world is warming and that we must reduce the amount of green
house gases that are released into the atmosphere. One idea is to increase the amount of
electricity that is generated from renewables.
Discuss this solution, describe another and give your opinion.

1. Complete the the graphic organiser with a simple introduction. You can try to copy one
of the other ones on this worksheet.
2. Write a simple topic sentence for each body paragraph. Make sure each one directly
relates to the IELTS question(s). Again, look at the examples for help.
3. Add a simple conclusion that summarizes the main points AND gives your opinion.

Introduction

Paragraph 1
Topic sentence

Paragraph 2
Topic sentence

Conclusion

Take a look at the sample answer on the next page.

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IELTS Task 2 Writing Workbook

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Sample Answer: Practice Question 1

Most governments agree that the world is warming and that we must reduce the amount of green
house gases that are released into the atmosphere. One idea is to increase the amount of
electricity that is generated from renewables.
Discuss this solution, describe another and give your opinion.

Introduction

Recently, increasingly large numbers of countries are concerned about

greenhouse gases warming the planet. The question is, what should be done
about it?

Paragraph 1
Topic sentence One option is generate more electricity from renewable sources such as wind

and solar.

Paragraph 2
Topic sentence Alternatively, countries could try to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy

use in their economies.

Conclusion

Page 8 of 10

In conclusion, although using wind and solar to generate electricity will help, it
cannot solve the problem on its own. Therefore, I believe we should do this, but
must also focus on energy efficiency and other ways of lowering the amount of
greenhouse gases we emit.

IELTS Task 2 Writing Workbook

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Practice Question 2
All around the world people are concerned about what is in their food. Some people wish to label
foods that contain genetically modified ingredients. Others argue that this wont make much
difference.
Who is right? Discuss both ideas and give your opinion.

1. Complete the the graphic organiser with a simple introduction. You can try to copy one
of the other ones on this worksheet.
2. Write a simple topic sentence for each body paragraph. Make sure each one directly
relates to the IELTS question(s). Again, look at the examples for help.
3. Add a simple conclusion that summarizes the main points AND gives your opinion.

Introduction

Paragraph 1
Topic sentence

Paragraph 2
Topic sentence

Conclusion

Page 9 of 10

IELTS Task 2 Writing Workbook

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Sample answer: Practice Question 2

All around the world people are concerned about what is in their food. Some people wish to label
foods that contain genetically modified ingredients. Others argue that this wont make much
difference.
Who is right? Discuss both ideas and give your opinion.

Introduction

Recently, increasingly large numbers of people are worried about their food. The
question is, should require genetically modified food to be labelled, or will this be
ineffective?

Paragraph 1
Topic sentence On the one hand, there are several reasons why labelling genetically modified

food is a good idea.

Paragraph 2
Topic sentence On the other hand, it can be argued that labelling will not change anything.

Conclusion

Page 10 of 10

In conclusion, although requiring food to be labelled if it contains genetically

engineered ingredients sounds like a good idea, it is unlikely to change peoples
behaviour, and it can lead to misinformation. Therefore, although I believe
people need to know what is in their food, because this is a very complex area,
labels may not be the best method to inform them.

IELTS Task 2 Writing Workbook

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

ielts7.guru brings you

The

IELTS Task 2 Writing

Brainstorming Guide!

How to use this guide

This e-book has 5 different brainstorming techniques. Each sheet is
photocopiable so you can use them again and again when you practice
brainstorming for IELTS Task 2 Writing questions.
1. Look at the strategies.
2. Try your own with some of the other sample Task 2 Questions on page 8.
3. If you post your ideas on ielts7.guru, Ill do my best to respond!

Page 1 of 10

5 Brainstorming Techniques

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Which brainstorming technique

is right for me?
Here is a quick summary of the different techniques in this e-book and how you can use
them.

1. Pros and Cons

The easiest brainstorming technique.
Can also be used for any pros and cons essay or advantages and

disadvantages essay.
You can also use it for thinking of reasons why you agree or disagree with
an idea. Just make sure you do NOT use the words advantages or
disadvantages!

2. What if ?
Use this for any question that has the words should. E.g. Should cars be

banned?
You can also use it for discussion questions, two points of view, or even
solutions.

3. The discussion clock

Great for opinion essays.
Can also be used for two points of view essays. In this case, use the

discussion clock two times, one for each view.

You can also use it for talking about pros and cons

4. The argument table

Great for thinking of ideas around an opinion
Can also be used for two points of view essays. In this case, use the table

twice, one for each view.

You can also use it for talking about pros and cons

5. The solution evaluator

Great for solutions
Can also be used for discussing any should question. E.g. Should cars be
banned from city centres?

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5 Brainstorming Techniques

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Brainstorming Technique 1

Pros and Cons

Write down any ideas you have for or against an idea.
Try to add an example or a reason why. Use these in your plan.

Pros

Cons

E.g / why:

E.g / why:

E.g / why:

E.g / why:

E.g / why:

E.g / why:

Useful linkers for your paragraphs:

First paragraph
First,
Second,

Page 3 of 10

Third,

Second paragraph
The first one is

5 Brainstorming Techniques

Another is

Finally,

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Brainstorming Technique 2

What if?
This is great for evaluating solutions, or discussing what should or should not be done.
This is often the case in opinion essays or when talking about two views.
Add a note why this result would be good or bad. Use these in your plan.

What if we did it.

What if we didnt do it.

Positive results

Positive results

1st result

1st result

This would be good because

This would be good because

2nd result

2nd result

This would be good because

This would be good because

Negative results

Negative results

1st result

1st result

This would be bad because

This would be bad because

2nd result

2nd result

This would be bad because

This would be bad because

Question 3
Language note: It is really good to use second conditionals with this brainstorming technique.
E.g. This would be a good idea because If this were done, people would be safer.

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5 Brainstorming Techniques

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Brainstorming Technique 3

The discussion clock

This is great for coming with any ideas for any topic, but especially for opinion essays!

fairness / justice
+

culture
+

economics / money
+

crime / law & order

+

health
+

Is x a
good idea?

family and children

+

education
+

the environment
+
-

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5 Brainstorming Techniques

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Brainstorming Technique 4

The argument table

This is very similar to the discussion clock but is organised like a table (and it has some
helpful phrases too!)

Issue

Agree

Disagree

fairness
justice

It is fair / just

It is unfair / unjust

practicality

it is practical

it is impractical

economics
money

It is economical / efficient / cheap

It is uneconomical / inefficient /
expensive

safety
security

It is safe / secure (it makes sth

safe/secure)

it is unsafe / insecure (it makes

sth unsafe/insecure)

human rights

It is humane / civilized

It is inhumane / uncivilized

the
environment

It is environmentally friendly

It will harm the environment

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5 Brainstorming Techniques

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Brainstorming Technique 5

The solution evaluator

This is a great way to think about any solutions you need to write about. You can nearly
always think of some problem with any solution! But if you cant, this will help!
The best thing to do is decide what is positive about the solution, (e.g. is it effective) and
then think about the problem with the solution (the but column).

The solution is

but
is ineffective

is impractical

doesnt solve the real problem

cheap
quick / easy to do
is only a temporary solution

creates other problems in the long run

will take a long time to work

is costly
effective
practical
it is hard to get other people to agree to it

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5 Brainstorming Techniques

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Sample questions

Practice brainstorming!
Use the questions here to practice brainstorming with.

Practice 1
Try the pros and cons technique, the discussion clock, or the argument table.
All around the world children are becoming obese at younger and younger ages. Governments are
considering putting limits on the amount of sugar, fat and calories that school children can eat.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this idea?
Write at least 250 words.

Practice 2
Try what if?, the discussion clock, or the argument table.

Practice 3
Try the solution evaluator.
In many developed and developing countries, the birthrate is dropping and there will be fewer young
people in the future. What are some things governments could do to increase the percentage of young
people in society?
Decide on the best solution.
Write at least 250 words.

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5 Brainstorming Techniques

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

What to do next?

Action steps
1. Photocopy or print out the sheets.
2. Practice using them at home so you have a clear strategy to use when you re
in the exam.
3. When you practice, time yourself so you only spend 2 - 3 minutes on
brainstorming.
4. Make a quick plan based on your brainstormed ideas. Short 1 or 2 word notes
are fine.
If you have any questions about this guide or the brainstorming techniques,
please email me at:
ben@ielts7.guru

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5 Brainstorming Techniques

ielts7.guru(c) 2016

Thats it!
If this guide was useful, please join us on facebook or Google+!

Ben has been teaching Adults English for nearly 15 years

and IELTS training for 5 years. He is an ex-IELTS examiner
and is also the founder and director of studies at The
English Academy in Taipei, Taiwan.

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5 Brainstorming Techniques

ielts7.guru(c) 2016