IELTS Writing Task 2: question types

Here are the four types of question:

1. Opinion
2. Discussion + opinion
3. Problem + solution
4. 2-part question
Important points to remember:
1. An 'opinion' question asks for your view, not the views of other people, and you don't
have to give both sides of the argument. Just make your opinion clear in the
introduction, then explain it in the rest of the essay.
2. A 'discussion' question requires you to write about both sides of the argument, and you
should write a similar amount for each view. If the question also asks for your opinion,
you don't need an extra paragraph. Just make it clear in the introduction and conclusion
which of the two views you agree with.
3. Type 3 is easy. Simply write a paragraph explaining the problem(s) and a paragraph
explaining the solution(s). Some questions ask about 'causes' or 'effects': these would be
part of the 'problem' paragraph.
4. For type 4, just answer the two questions. Write one paragraph about each.
Different Types of IELTS Essays

Opinion [argument] Essay Both sides + opinion Two Questions

Question words What is your opinion? Discuss the advantages and Problem and solution
disadvantages
Cause and solution
Do you agree or disagree?
Discuss the advantages and Opinion and solution
To what extent do you agree disadvantages and give
or disagree? your own opinion

Do the advantages outweigh

the disadvantages? Discuss both points of view
and give your opinion
Example question Computers are being used
more and more in education
and so there will soon be no
role for the teacher in
education.
To what extent do you agree or consequences.
disagree?
Intro Rephrase question
Position
(how much agree/disagree)
Body reason 1
reason 2
reason 3/concession
Final paragraph Summary
Opinion/recommendation
Sources:
http://www.ieltsanswers.com/Types-of-IELTS-Essays.html
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2012/04/ielts-writing-task-2-question-types.html
Computers are being used Alcohol abuse is
more and more in becoming more and more
education. Some people say common in many
that this is a positive trend, countries.
while others argue that it is
leading to negative What are some of the
problems associated with
alcohol abuse, and what
Discuss both sides of this
are some of the possible
argument and then give
solutions?
your own opinion.
Rephrase question Rephrase question
This essay discusses [both This essay discusses
sides + opinion] [problem and solution]
Side 1 advantages Problems
Solutions
Side 2 disadvantages
Note: keep your own self I
think and opinion out of
the body. It is only about
what people in general may
think.
Opinion Summary of problems
and solutions (rephrased)
State that both are
important/has merits
State which one is more
Opinion/recommendation
important/better