5 guides · Band 8 samples

IELTS Writing Task 2, one essay type at a time

Task 2 is a 250-word essay in about 40 minutes, and it's worth twice as much as Task 1. There are five common question types, and most low scores come from answering a slightly different question from the one asked. Start by working out which type you're looking at.

Opinion essay

"To what extent do you agree or disagree?" is the most common Task 2 question. The examiner wants a clear position, stated in the introduction and held all the way through. Sitting on the fence ("there are good points on both sides") is the quickest way to cap Task Response at 6.

31 Cambridge tests of this type

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Discussion essay

"Discuss both views and give your own opinion" has two jobs, and both are marked. You must explain each view fairly, and you must say which one you prefer. Many essays do the first and forget the second, which costs Task Response.

22 Cambridge tests of this type

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Advantages and disadvantages essay

Read the question carefully, because there are two versions. "Discuss the advantages and disadvantages" asks you to explain both. "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" asks for a judgement, and you must say which side is heavier.

11 Cambridge tests of this type

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Problem and solution essay

These questions ask about causes (or problems) and solutions, and both parts carry equal weight. The strongest essays link them: each solution answers a cause you've already explained.

3 Cambridge tests of this type

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Two-part question essay

Some questions simply ask two direct questions: "Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?" Answer both, roughly equally, and in order. It's the easiest type to plan and the easiest to lose marks on by forgetting one half.

17 Cambridge tests of this type

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Three rules for every Task 2

Underline the instruction words: agree or disagree, discuss both views, outweigh, causes and solutions, or two direct questions. Each one needs a different structure.
Give a clear position where the question asks for one, and keep it the same from the introduction to the conclusion.
Two developed body paragraphs beat four thin ones. One main idea per paragraph, explained and supported.

IELTS Writing Task 1 IELTS Writing practice tests Task 2 topics to practise