Different Kinds of Task 2 Essays & Question Types

There are 5 different tasks that illustrate the different types of task 2
questions.
1. To what extent do you agree and/or disagree?

Some people think that the only purpose of working hard is

to earn money.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

2. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some believe that punishment is the only purpose of

prisons, while others believe that prisons exist for various
reasons.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

3. What are the advantages and/or disadvantages?

In some countries, governments are encouraging

industries and businesses to move to regional areas
outside the big cities.
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

4. What are the causes and give solutions.

Despite improvements in vehicle technology, there are still

large numbers of road accidents.
Explain some of the causes of these accidents, and
suggest some measures that could be taken to address the
problem.
 5. Multiple/Two part question tasks.

Many people around the world are choosing to move to live

in cities.

What problems do people experience in big cities? Should

governments encourage people to move to smaller towns?

When to give your opinion

Do the following questions ask for your opinion or not?

1. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
3. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
4. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
5. Is this a positive or negative development?
6. What are the benefits and drawbacks?

Note: Only two of the above questions DO NOT ask for your opinion.
If the question doesn't ask for your opinion, don't give it. For the other
four questions, you should make your opinion clear in the
introduction and conclusion.

Numbers 2 and 6 are DISCUSSION questions. Discuss both sides of

the issue, but don't give your opinion about which side you agree
with.

Numbers 1 and 5 are OPINION questions. Give your opinion and

support it. You don't need to mention the other side of the argument.
Numbers

Numbers 3 and 4 can be called DISCUSSION + OPINION questions.

Discuss both sides and make your opinion clear too.