by Dave | Oct 7, 2017 | Understanding Task 2 Writing
In this expert guide I will help you to understand how to answer the main question types for IELTS Writing Task 2.
If you need to learn the basic information about Writing Task 2, please check out our beginner’s guide here.
Dave
You Must Answer the whole Question
Understanding the correct question is very important for your Task Achievement score. Too many IELTS students write about the general topic but they don’t stick to (follow closely) the question.
As you can see from the table below, failing to answer the question means you could get a 5 or even a 4 for Task Achievement.
Band Score
|
Official IELTS description
(Task Response)
|
What it means
|
7+
|
“Addresses all parts of the task.”
|
Your essay discusses both sides or questions in enough detail.
|
6
|
“Addresses all parts of the task although some parts of the task may be more fully covered than others”
|
Your essay discusses both sides or questions but only one half was covered in enough detail.
|
5
|
“Addresses the task only partially.”
|
Your essay only discusses one part of the question.
|
4
|
“Responds to the task in only a minimal way or the answer is tangential”
|
Your essay discusses the general topic but not the specific question. Maybe you misunderstood the question.
|
Analyse the Question Carefully
As well as misunderstanding the question topic, some students misunderstand the type of question
For some IELTS Task 2 question types you have to discuss both sides of a topic, but for other question types you are free to discuss just one side. For some questions you have to answer one question. For others you must answer two separate questions.
But remember, for all Task 2 questions, the basic Task 2 essay structure is the same: four paragraphs – an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion.
When reading the question you should focus on three things:
1. TOPIC – What is the general topic?
2. QUESTIONS – How many questions?
3. SIDES – How many sides do I need to answer for each question?
Question Type 1 – Agree or Disagree (Opinion Essay / Discussion Essay)
Governments should invest more in public transport such as buses and trains rather than building new roads.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
What is the topic? Should governments spend money on public transport vs new roads.
How many questions? 1 – Do I agree or disagree?
How many sides? 1 or 2 (There are two options – discuss one side or both sides)
Option 1 (Opinion essay – discuss one side): I can choose to write about spending money on public transport OR new roads. For this option I will write two body paragraphs about the benefits of investing in public transport or two body paragraphs supporting new roads.
Option 2 (Discussion essay – discuss two sides): I will write about spending money on public transport AND railways. I will write two body paragraphs – one about the benefits of investing in public transport, and one about the benefits of investing in new roads.
Option 2 is the same as a discuss both sides essay (see Question Type 2, below).
Expert Tip: For both both options 1 and 2, it is strongly recommended that your conclusion always contains a clear opinion (overall do you agree or disagree?). If you don’t have a clear opinion you could lose marks for your Task Achievement score.
For more help with structuring essays for this kind of question click here.
For an expert sample essay with line by line analysis and key vocabulary click here.
Question Type 2a – Discuss Both Sides (Discussion Essay)
Governments should invest more in public transport such as buses and trains rather than building new roads.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
What is the topic? Should governments spend money on public transport vs new roads.
How many questions? 1 – public transport vs new roads?
How many sides? 2 (You must discuss both public transport and new roads)
For this question I will write about spending money on public transport and new roads. I will write two body paragraphs – one about the benefits of investing in public transport, and one about the benefits of investing in new roads.
If I only discuss one side I will get a maximum of a 5 for Task Achievement. To achieve a score of 6 or higher I must write equally (one body paragraph) about both sides.
Expert Tip: Some discuss both sides question don’t ask you to ‘give your opinion‘. It is strongly recommended that your conclusion always contains a clear opinion (overall which side do you think is better or more important?). If you don’t have a clear opinion you could lose marks for your Task Achievement score.
For more help with structuring essays for this kind of question click here.
For an expert sample essay with line by line analysis and key vocabulary click here.
Question Type 2b – Advantages AND Disadvantages (Discussion Essay)
Nowadays governments are investing more in public transport such as buses and trains rather than in building new roads.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
What is the topic? Should governments spend money on railways vs roads.
How many questions? 1 – public transport good or bad?
How many sides? 2 (You must discuss both side of public transport)
For this question I will write about the two sides of spending money on public transport. I will write two body paragraphs – one about the benefits of investing in public transport (compared to new roads), and one about the drawbacks of investing in public transport (compared to new roads).
If I only discuss one side I will get a maximum of a 5 for Task Achievement. To achieve a score of 6 or higher I must write equally (one body paragraph) about both sides.
Expert Tip: Some advantages/disadvantages questions require you to discuss both, whereas others ask you which outweighs the other. It is strongly recommended that your conclusion always contains a clear opinion (overall do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?). If you don’t have a clear opinion you could lose marks for your Task Achievement score.
Question Type 2c – Advantages OR Disadvantages? (Discussion Essay)
Nowadays governments are investing more in public transport such as buses and trains rather than in building new roads.
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
What is the topic? Should governments spend money on railways vs roads.
How many questions? 1 – public transport good or bad?
How many sides? 2 (You must discuss both side of public transport)
For this question I will write about the two sides of spending money on public transport. I will write two body paragraphs – one about the benefits of investing in public transport (compared to new roads), and one about the drawbacks of investing in public transport (compared to new roads).
If I only discuss one side I will get a maximum of a 5 for Task Achievement. To achieve a score of 6 or higher I must write equally (one body paragraph) about both sides.
Expert Tip: Some advantages/disadvantages questions require you to discuss both, whereas others ask you which outweighs the other. It is strongly recommended that your conclusion always contains a clear opinion (overall do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?). If you don’t have a clear opinion you could lose marks for your Task Achievement score.
Question Type 3a – Double Question
Nowadays governments are investing more in public transport such as buses and trains rather than in building new roads.
What are the reasons for this?
Is this a positive or negative development?
What is the topic? Government spending money on public transport vs new roads.
How many questions? 2 – Why is this? Is it a good or bad thing?
How many sides? 1 per question (you don’t need to discuss good and bad for the 2nd question)
For this question I will write about why governments are spending money on public transport and whether it is positive or negative. I will write two body paragraphs – one paragraph about the reasons why governments are doing this, and one paragraph about why this is a good or bad idea.
If I only discuss one question I will get a maximum of a 5 for Task Achievement (maybe lower). To achieve a score of 6 or higher I must write equally (one body paragraph) about both questions.
Two part questions are very common and there are many different kinds. See below for more examples.
Expert Tip: Some double question ask for an opinion, whereas others ask you to explain problems and solutions. It is strongly recommended that your conclusion always contains a clear opinion (overall is it a negative or positive development?) or at least re-state your main ideas (overall, what is the main cause and solution). If you don’t have a clear opinion or clearly re-state your main ideas you could lose marks for your Task Achievement score.
For more help with structuring essays for this kind of question click here.
For an expert sample essay with line by line analysis and key vocabulary click here.
Question Type 3b – Two Topics (Double question)
The first car appeared on British roads in 1888. By the year 2000, there may be as many as 29 million vehicles on the British roads.
Alternative forms of transport should be encouraged and international laws introduced to control car ownership and use.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
What is the topic? Two solutions for dealing with rise in cars – 1) alternative transport, and 2) international laws to control car ownership and use.
How many questions? 2 – Do I think alternative transport is a good idea? Do I think international laws are a good thing?
How many sides? One for each solution – you don’t need to discuss good and bad for each solution.
For this question I will write about whether I think alternative transport and international laws are a good or bad thing. I will write two body paragraphs – one paragraph about why alternative transport is a good or bad idea, and another paragraph about why international laws are a good or bad idea.
If I only discuss one solution I will get a maximum of a 5 for Task Achievement (maybe lower). To achieve a score of 6 or higher I must write equally (one body paragraph) about both solutions.
Expert Tip: Some double question ask for an opinion, whereas others ask you to explain problems and solutions. It is strongly recommended that your conclusion always contains a clear opinion (overall do you agree or disagree?) or at least re-state your main ideas (overall, what is the main cause and solution). If you don’t have a clear opinion or clearly re-state your main ideas you could lose marks for your Task Achievement score.
Question Type 3c – Causes and Solution (Double question)
The price of rail travel in some countries increases annually while average incomes remain relatively stable.
This causes a problem for many people who rely on trains for travelling to work.
What do you think are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve them?
What is the topic? The problem of increasing costs of rail travel while incomes remain stable.
How many questions? 2 – What are the causes of this problem? What are some solutions?
How many sides? One for each question – you don’t need to discuss good and bad for your solutions.
For this question I will write about the main causes of and solutions for the problem of rail ticket price increases. I will write two body paragraphs – one paragraph about the main causes, and another paragraph about some solutions.
If I only discuss about causes or solutions I will get a maximum of a 5 for Task Achievement (maybe lower). To achieve a score of 6 or higher I must write equally (one body paragraph) about both causes and solutions.
Expert Tip: Some double question ask for an opinion, whereas others ask you to explain problems and solutions. It is strongly recommended that your conclusion always contains a clear opinion (overall is it a negative or positive development?) or at least re-state your main ideas (overall, what is the main cause and solution). If you don’t have a clear opinion or clearly re-state your main ideas you could lose marks for your Task Achievement score.
For more help with structuring essays for this kind of question click here.
Practise analysing Task 2 questions.
Like anything, if you want to master a skill you need to practise it.
If you find it difficult to understand Task 2 questions, just focus on practising that skill (without worrying about ideas or grammar or vocab or writing anything).
Look at different kinds of questions and practise analysing them following the examples above. Keep practising until you feel confident about dealing with any IELTS Task 2 question.
Relax before you read and fully the question
Even after practising a lot, it’s natural for students to feel very stressed in the exam. I always tell my students that if they feel really nervous in the exam, they should take 10-20 seconds to relax before they read the question.
If you have your own relaxation method then use that (let us know in the comments below). If you don’t then how about this:
In the exam sit up straight, close your eyes and put your hand on your stomach, while you focus on your breathing.
Breathe in slowly through your nose and out of your mouth. Feel the air go in and out of your body. Do this until you feel your heart slowing.
This should reduce your stress because it will lower your heart rate and your blood pressure.
Now it’s your turn! Put your answers in the comments.
Here’s some examples for you to practice with, and don’t forget to practise focusing on your breathing if you’re feeling stressed!
Example 1
a) What is the topic?
b) How many questions?
c) How many sides?
Global warming is one of the most serious issues that the world is facing today.
What are the causes of global warming and what measures can governments and individuals take to tackle the issue?
Example 2
a) What is the topic?
b) How many questions?
c) How many sides?
Global warming is one of the most serious issues that the world is facing today. Some people think the best way to tackle this problem is by investing in renewable energy.
Do you think this is an effective measure?
What alternative solutions are possible?
by Dave | Oct 7, 2017 | Structuring your essay
A lot of my IELTS students struggle with how many ideas they need and how to structure their essay.
Let’s look at an example:
Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Dave
Clear position
The first thing to remember is for the question above you don’t need to discuss both sides but you can if you want.
Therefore you have a choice about whether to discuss the ‘agree’ side, the ‘disagree’ side or discuss both sides. We’ll examine these options later.
Even if you choose to discuss both sides you must clearly state whether your opinion is agree or disagree. This is very important for your Task Achievement score.
You can see from the table below that if you don’t clearly choose a side, you will not score above a 5 for Task achievement – no matter how good the rest of your writing is.
Band Score
|
Official IELTS description
(Task Achievement)
|
What it means
|
7+
|
“Presents a clear position throughout the response”
|
Your overall opinion is very clear and is well supported by all your reasons and examples in your whole essay.
|
6
|
“Presents a relevant position, although the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive.”
|
Your overall opinion is good but you don’t always clearly support it with reasons or have clear conclusions.
|
5
|
“Expresses a position but the development is not always clear and there may be no conclusions drawn.“
|
You have an overall opinion but you often don’t support it with reasons or have conclusions.
|
4
|
“Presents a position but this is unclear.”
|
You have an opinion but you don’t explain or support it clearly.
|
So to summarise, for the question above you must have a clear position and you have three possible options:
1. Strongly agree. You think it’s better for governments to spend money on rail rather than roads. You discuss only this side.
2. Strongly disagree. You think it’s better for governments to spend money on roads rather than rail. You discuss only this side.
3. Discuss both sides. You discuss both sides but you have a clear opinion about rail or road.
Clear essay structure
As you can see from the table above a clear position throughout your essay is very important for your Task Achievement.
So I always recommend to my IELTS students that they give their opinion in the introduction as well as the conclusion (for all Task 2 questions).
Technically, it’s OK to write a very general introduction and leave your opinion to the end.
But I strongly suggest that you don’t do this because it’s not as clear.
Also, you might run out of time before you’ve got to your conclusion, so overall it’s a risky strategy.
Therefore my suggested IELTS Task 2 essay structure is four paragraphs – an introduction, two main (or body) paragraphs and a conclusion.
The opinion is presented in the introduction and re-stated in the conclusion, and each body paragraph should only discuss one main idea.
Now let’s look at the options in more detail.
Possible Essay structures
1. Strongly agree – you feel rail is much more important than roads.
You need two good reasons why rail is more important.
Paragraph 1 (intro)
|
Paraphrase the question and state your overall opinion
(you feel rail is more important)
|
Paragraph 2 (body 1)
|
Explain and support your first reason why rail is more important.
|
Paragraph 3 (body 2)
|
Explain and support your second reason why rail is more important.
|
Paragraph 4 (conclusion)
|
Re-state your overall opinion (rail is more important) and summarise your main reasons.
|
2. Strongly disagree – you feel roads are much more important than rail.
You need two good reasons why roads are more important.
Paragraph 1 (intro)
|
Paraphrase the question and state your overall opinion
(you feel roads are more important)
|
Paragraph 2 (body 1)
|
Explain and support your first reason why roads are more important.
|
Paragraph 3 (body 2)
|
Explain and support your second reason why roads are more important.
|
Paragraph 4 (conclusion)
|
Re-state your overall opinion (roads are more important) and summarise your main reasons.
|
3. Discuss both sides – You think one side is good but overall the other side is more important.
You need one good reason for each side.
In the example below you feel the reason for supporting rail is more important than the reason supporting roads.
Paragraph 1 (intro)
|
Paraphrase the question and state your overall opinion
(you feel roads are important but rail is more important)
|
Paragraph 2 (body 1)
|
Explain and support your reason why one side is important.
|
Paragraph 3 (body 2)
|
Explain and support your reason why the other side is important.
|
Paragraph 4 (conclusion)
|
Re-state your overall opinion (you feel roads are important but rail is more important) and summarise your main reasons.
|
So in summary, one thing that all three options have in common is that each essay clearly chooses a side and that is clear throughout the essay.
None of these options ‘sit on the fence’ (stay in the middle), because you should never write a 50/50 essay.
You should never say “Both roads and rail have benefits and drawbacks.”
That is not a clear conclusion, so you will definitely lose marks for your Task Achievement.
Also, you shouldn’t say “Overall I think roads are important and rail is also important so governments should spend money on both.”
Technically this is OK as your opinion is clear, but some examiners might not agree so this is risky.
So the safest strategy is to choose a side, even if that isn’t your real opinion.
Now it’s your turn! Put your answers in the comments.
Look at the question below then compare your ideas with this sample answer (written by an ex-examiner).
Check out our expert sample answer with line by line analysis and key vocabulary.
Plastic shopping bags are used widely and cause many environmental problems. Some people say they should be banned.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Brainstorm some main ideas – what are the main benefits and drawbacks of banning plastic bags.
What’s your overall position – do you agree or disagree?
Which essay structure are you going to choose – will you discuss one side or both?
by Dave | Oct 7, 2017 | Structuring your essay
A lot of my IELTS students struggle with how many ideas they need and how to structure their essay.
This article with explain clearly what you need to do and why. Read some examples of actual IELTS essays here.
Let’s look at an example of this kind of question:
The price of rail travel in some countries increases annually while average incomes remain relatively stable. This causes a problem for many people who rely on trains for travelling to work.
What do you think are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve them?
Dave
How many causes and solutions?
You’re being asked to discuss causes and solutions (measures) but in fact it’s better if you can think of just one or a maximum of two main causes and solutions.
This means you can spend more time developing those ideas which will then improve your Task Achievement score.
Possible Essay structures
1. Separately – you discuss the main cause first then discuss the main solution.
You need one or two main causes and one or two main solutions.
Paragraph 1 (intro)
|
Paraphrase both questions and state the main cause and solution.
|
Paragraph 2 (body 1)
|
Explain the main cause(s). Support your ideas.
|
Paragraph 3 (body 2)
|
Explain the possible solution(s) . Give reasons to support your ideas.
|
Paragraph 4 (conclusion)
|
Re-state the problem and summarise your main ideas.
|
2. Together – you discuss the causes one at a time together with its solution.
Again, you need at two main causes and two main solutions.
Paragraph 1 (intro)
|
Paraphrase both questions and state you will discuss some causes and solutions.
|
Paragraph 2 (body 1)
|
Explain the first main cause and suggest a suitable solution. Give reasons to support your idea..
|
Paragraph 3 (body 2)
|
Explain the second main cause and suggest a suitable solution. Give reasons to support your idea..
|
Paragraph 4 (conclusion)
|
Re-state the problem and summarise your main ideas.
|
Do not write an opinion essay
A lot of IELTS students are very good at writing agree or disagree essays, so they misunderstand problem/solution questions.
Instead of discussing causes and solutions, they discuss the benefits and drawbacks of expensive tickets.
This would mean a 4 for Task Achievement.
Make sure you read and understand the question carefully.
Other similar types of questions than you can answer in the same way include:
– What do you think are the causes? / What are the solutions?
– Explain some possible reasons for this problem and suggest some solutions.
Now it’s your turn! Put your answers in the comments.
Is travelling by train in your country more expensive than in the past? Why?
How could train companies save money?
by Dave | Oct 7, 2017 | Structuring your essay
A lot of my IELTS students struggle with how many ideas they need and how to structure their essay.
Let’s look at an example of this kind of question:
Nowadays governments are investing more in public transport such as buses and trains rather than in building new roads.
What are the reasons for this?
Is this a positive or negative development?
Dave
Clear position
For this kind of task you need to discuss both questions.
In the first question, you are given a situation and asked to explain why.
The second question requires a clear opinion so you must choose a side.
This is very important for your task response score.
If you don’t choose a side and support that ‘position’ clearly, you will lose marks for your task response. You will get a maximum of a 5 for task achievement if you do not choose a side.
It’s not important which side you choose as long as you choose one.
Here are the options for the second question:
1) Agree. You think it’s a positive development that governments are spending more money on public transport. You support r this opinion.
2) Disagree. You think it’s a negative development that governments are spending more money on public transport. You support this opinion.
Clear essay structure
I always recommend to my students that they give their opinion in the introduction as well as the conclusion (for all IELTS Task 2 questions).
Technically, it’s OK to write a very general introduction and leave your opinion to the end.
But I strongly suggest that you don’t do this because it’s not as clear.
Also, you might run out of time before you’ve got to your conclusion, so overall it’s a risky strategy. If you don’t choose a side and support that ‘position’ clearly, you will lose marks for your task response.
Therefore my suggested IELTS Task 2 essay structure is four paragraphs – an introduction, two main (or body) paragraphs and a conclusion.
The opinion is presented in the introduction and re-stated in the conclusion.
Ideally each body paragraph should discuss one main idea.
Now let’s look at the options in more detail.
Possible Essay structures
1) Agree – you feel it’s a positive development that governments are spending more money on public transport.
You need at least one good reason why it’s happening and one good reason why it’s a positive development.
Paragraph 1
(intro)
|
Paraphrase both questions and state your overall opinion (you feel it’s a positive development)
|
Paragraph 2
(body 1)
|
Explain and support your reason why governments are spending more money on public transport.
|
Paragraph 3
(body 2)
|
Explain and support your reason why this is a positive development.
|
Paragraph 4 (conclusion)
|
Re-state your overall opinion (you feel it’s a positive development) and summarise your main reasons.
|
2) Disagree – you feel it’s a negative development that governments are spending more money on public transport.
You need at least one good reason why it’s happening and one good reason why it’s a negative development.
Only the parts highlighted below are different from the first essay
Paragraph 1 (intro)
|
Paraphrase both questions and state your overall opinion
(you feel it’s a negative development)
|
Paragraph 2 (body 1)
|
Explain and support your reason why governments are spending more money on public transport.
|
Paragraph 3 (body 2)
|
Explain and support your reason why this is a negative development.
|
Paragraph 4 (conclusion)
|
Re-state your overall opinion (you feel it’s a negative development) and summarise your main reasons.
|
Now it’s your turn! Put your answers in the comments.
Look at the question below then compare your ideas with this sample answer (written by an ex-examiner).
Check out our expert sample answer with line by line analysis and key vocabulary.
Living in large cities today poses many problems for people.
What are these problems? Should governments encourage more people to live in smaller towns?
Brainstorm some main ideas:
-
What are the biggest problems for people living in a big city?
-
What causes these problems? What are the effects on people’s lives?
-
Do think think the government should help people to move out of big cities to live in smaller towns?
-
Is this a good or bad idea? Why?
by Dave | Oct 6, 2017 | Ideas and Body Paragraphs
Planning is very important, but there are definitely good and bad ways to do it.
In this article I will show you how to plan efficiently, focussing only on what you need for your IELTS Task 2 essay.
Dave
Why does planning improve your Task 2 writing?
If you plan effectively, writing your Task 2 essay will be easier and quicker because you know what you are going to to write.
So it actually saves you time later and makes your writing clearer so you will get a much higher score.
If you spend a few minutes to come up with your overall ‘position’, your main ideas and supporting ideas then after that you’ll be free to worry about your grammar, punctuation, vocabulary and spelling.
The idea is that by planning carefully you won’t have to worry much about your ideas and structure while you’re writing, which will help you feel more relaxed.
And the more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to think of good language to use to express your ideas and how best to link them together.
Four steps to reduce your planning time
Some IELTS students seem to take a long time to write their plan.
Other students seem to be able to get writing almost straight away – they hardly plan at all!
And yet they can still produce essays that achieve a high band score.
Here are four steps to planning efficiently and just focusing on the ideas you need.
1. Relevant but personal ideas – focus on the question but use your experience.
2. Simple main ideas – that you can easily support with explanation and examples.
3. Focus on your essay structure – think of the order and linking of ideas.
4. Do lots and lots of practice – so you see patterns and get quicker.
Now let’s look at each of these in more detail.
1. Focus on the question but make it personal
Your main ideas must be relevant (clearly answer the question) otherwise your Task Achievement score will be no higher than a 5.
However my IELTS students often complain that when they read the question they can’t think of any ideas and this might be because IELTS Task 2 questions are often written in a formal, academic way.
So one way of helping you to come up with ideas is to rephrase the question into more normal language that you might use with your friends or family.
Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
So for the question above, imagine you read in the news that your government is going to spend more money on transport in your local area.
Would you prefer them to spend money on new roads or new trains? Would this make you happy? Why?
2. Simple is best
There are no extra marks for interesting or complicated ideas, or for ideas that follow your real opinions.
The best main ideas are ONLY those you can easily explain and support, ideally with a clear example.
Keep it simple and make it easy for yourself.
The most simple, obvious ideas that are often the first ones that pop into your head.
Your basic IELTS Task 2 essay has only two body paragraphs and I always recommend one main idea per body paragraph so you can fully support them.
If you have more main ideas than you need, quickly try to explain them and think of examples (on paper or in your head) and choose the main ideas that are the easiest to explain fully.
3. Focus on your structure
Now look at your chosen main ideas and add more supporting ideas if needed. I suggest using a mind map for this.
At this point it’s a good idea to put the supporting ideas into a logical order and quickly make a note (on paper on in your head) of which linkers would be suitable (these can change later).
Don’t be afraid to reject, change or reorder your supporting ideas at this point.
So now you have your main ideas, supporting ideas and your structure, so you’re absolutely ready to start writing a kick-ass Task 2 essay!
4. Practice is the key
The more you practise with different topics the more you will be able to generate good, simple main ideas in seconds.
Likewise, generating and organising supporting ideas will get easier and easier, as you practise developing your main ideas in relatively similar ways each time.
Eventually this will become an almost automatic process and by the time exam day arrives you’ll be an idea generating machine.
Now it’s your turn! Put your answers in the comments.
Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
For the above question, use our 4 step method to come up with some main and supporting ideas. Put your best ones in the comments.
