IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types: Opinion, Discussion, Advantages, Problem-Solution and Two-Part

1. Opinion (agree or disagree)

Example: 'Some people think that children should start school as early as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?'

Your job: pick one side and keep that position from introduction to conclusion. Both body paragraphs support your view. A 'partly agree' position is allowed but harder to write well under time pressure.

2. Discussion (discuss both views and give your opinion)

Example: 'Some believe remote working benefits employees, while others argue it harms teamwork. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.'

Your job: body paragraph 1 explains view A fairly, body paragraph 2 explains view B, and your opinion appears in the introduction and conclusion. Do not ignore one side — that caps Task Response at Band 6.

3. Advantages and disadvantages

Example: 'More people are choosing to live alone than in the past. Is this a positive or negative development?' (or: 'What are the advantages and disadvantages?')

Your job: if asked 'positive or negative', take a clear side like an opinion essay. If asked for advantages and disadvantages, give one paragraph of each and say which you think is stronger.

4. Problem / solution (or cause / effect)

Example: 'Many cities suffer from severe traffic congestion. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?'

Your job: one body paragraph on problems or causes, one on solutions. Make the solutions specific and match them to the problems you named.

5. Two-part question

Example: 'Nowadays people spend less time with their families. Why is this happening, and what effects does it have on society?'

Your job: answer question 1 in body paragraph 1 and question 2 in body paragraph 2. Equal weight to both — answering only one caps Task Response at Band 5.

How to practise

Take ten real questions and, before writing anything, label each with its type and sketch the paragraph plan. Our Writing Task 2 practice page generates questions by type and gives you AI feedback on whether your structure actually answered what was asked.