IELTS Writing Task 2 tests your ability to write an essay, presenting information in your own words with organized sentences and paragraphs. You must write 250 words and the task should be completed in about 40 minutes.
There are many topics that the essay may be about but these are some of the common topics that are often asked about in the question.
- Education
- Media
- Crime
- Environment
- Technology
- Social issues
- The future
- Pollution
It is a good idea to become familiar with these topics by reading, listening and watching videos about them However, it is very important that you also practise writing about them too.
Types Of IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Question
There are 5 types of questions that may be asked in Task 2 of the IELTS writing test. These types of questions are as follows:
Opinion Essay
– Where you are asked to give your own opinion on a topic.
Some people think that only electric cars should be allowed on the roads by 2040. Do you agree with this statement?
Discussion Essay
– You will be asked to discuss both sides of a subject or have 2 different topics to discuss.
Some people believe that education should be free for everyone, but others disagree. Discuss both sides.
Or you may be asked to talk about both sides and say what you think.
Some people think that urban spaces should be used for parks as opposed to housing. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Advantages & Disadvantages
– The questions in this category may ask for advantages and disadvantages or outweigh questions.
This is similar to the discussion question as you are given 2 options and you must discuss both sides.
Some people think that educating children at home is the best for children. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this.
The outweigh essay is one of the most difficult because you have to present your opinion and justify what you think.
Some people think that one day the world will have just one language, do you think the benefits of having one global language outweigh the disadvantages?
Problem and Solution Essay
– This is when you will be asked about a problem, you may be asked to discuss the possible causes, solutions or both.
Solution only
Some people have serious weight problems, What are some possible solutions?
Cause and Solution
Some children in rural areas are being left behind in their academic development. Why is this and what are the possible solutions?
Problem and Solution
More people are moving to the city to look for work. What problems does this cause and what are the possible solutions?
Double Question
– You have to respond to two or three different questions, some teachers call this the 2 question essay although sometimes you may even have 3 questions to respond to.
Some people spend a lot of money on their wedding. Why do they do this? Is it good to spend a lot of money on a wedding?
Practice looking at the types of questions that often come up on the IELTS writing test and make sure you are familiar with answering them.
Typical Task 2 structure
This is the most common structure for an essay answering an IELTS Writing Task 2 question. The 4 paragraphs are detailed below. There may be differences in the number of paragraphs for certain questions but this is a very common structure.
Introduction
- Rephrase the question and then say what the essay is about.
Paragraph 1 – Body Paragraph
- Main idea 1
- Explain or give a reason
- Example
Paragraph 2 – Body Paragraph
- Main Idea 2
- Explain or give a reason
- Example
Conclusion
- Parraphrase the question
- Summarize the main ideas