IELTS Writing Task 2 Guide: Essay Types, Structure and Band 7 Strategy

The five essay types

• Opinion (agree/disagree) — take one clear position and defend it throughout.
• Discussion — present both sides fairly, then give your own view.
• Advantages/disadvantages — weigh both; say which is stronger if asked.
• Problem/solution (or cause/effect) — one body paragraph per part of the question.
• Two-part question — answer both questions directly, one paragraph each.

A structure that works for every type

• Introduction (2 sentences): paraphrase the topic, then state your position or plan.
• Body paragraph 1: your strongest idea — topic sentence, explanation, specific example.
• Body paragraph 2: your second idea or the other side, same shape.
• Conclusion (1–2 sentences): restate your position in different words. No new ideas.

Example question (opinion)

Some people believe that university education should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Band 7 sample introduction

It is often argued that higher education ought to be funded entirely by the state so that every student can attend without charge. While free tuition would certainly widen access, I largely disagree with this view because the cost would be unsustainable and degrees would lose their value.

Band 7 habits

• Answer every part of the question — missing one part caps Task Response at Band 6.
• Keep one idea per paragraph and develop it fully instead of listing five shallow ideas.
• Use topic vocabulary and collocations (e.g. 'curb emissions', 'bridge the gap'), not memorised 'fancy' phrases.
• Leave 3–4 minutes to check articles, plurals and subject–verb agreement.

Timing plan

• 5 minutes: analyse the question and plan both body paragraphs.
• 30 minutes: write.
• 5 minutes: proofread for the errors you make most often.