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.
Don’t miss out on my new Patreon exclusive essays here if you want to really improve on IELTS!
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?
example 1:
general idea: Global warming
2 parts
part 1 : causes of global warming
part 2 : measures to handle this situation of governments and individuals.
example 2:
general idea: investing in renewable energy to tackle the Global warming.
2 parts
part 1 : this methods is good/bad and why.
part 2 : other alternative methods.
Great! Good job Phuong. Now, what will your main ideas be for each essay?
Dear Nick,
Waiting for your kind response. Your feedback (both positive and negative) is highly appreciated.
Example 1
General Idea: Global Warming
2 Parts
Part 1: Causes of global warming
Topic Sentence: Greenhouse gas and Deforestation are the most crucial causes of climate change. It is because of increasing number of factories and use of private cars which are playing an essential role in the greenhouse effect through gas emissions. Another fundamental reason is using woods of forests for industrial purposes could certainly lead to deforestation which makes earth surface vulnerable to sun arrays and its adverse effects.
Part 2: Measures to tackle this problem by governments
Governments should take decisive actions such as reducing pollution level and lessen fossil fuel use as these are the primary solutions which are much more effective than allocating in renewable energy in a short run.
Good for the first paragraph. Make sure that each idea is fully developed and extended (that requires about 2 sentences to fully support each main idea).
For the second paragraph, it is a great start. What measures could governments take?
Example 1
a) Climate change
b)Causes and solution
c) 2: Causes and Solution
Example 2
a) Renewable sources of energy as an effective alternative to minimize greenhouse gasses
b) 2: Agree/Disagree with the statement and give a different approach to face the problem
c) One side
Good work, Alexa! Both of your answers are absolutely correct – keep this in mind when you practice with some sample answers!
How to understand this type of question?
What is fact and what is argument?
Nowadays celebrities are more famous for their glamour and wealth than for their achievements, and this sets a bad example to young people.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Thanks for the great question Ming!
That one is a bit tricky – are you sure it is the exact phrasing from the real test?
I would say for that one that the whole sentence is opinion and you can agree or disagree with any part of that.
Hi Dave,
Is it mandatory to provide the opinion in the conclusion of the Problem-Solution type essay because, on other forum, I have not seen any opinion neither in conclusion nor in the introduction?
No, it is not – technically you only need to have a position – which could be phrased as an opinion or just as a statement.
Over the last few decades, global warming has become increasingly threatening, which affect different aspects of life around the world. Personally, I am f the conviction that this problem is caused by the unlimited consumption of fossil fuels in industries and personally owned vehicles, so the only solutions would be government encouraging replacement of clean reusable energy and individual citizens commuting in their automobiles less frequently.
To start, factories and plants in addition to cars and trucks on the roads constantly burn fossil fuels and produce greenhouse gasses, which lead to the rise of temperatures and global warming effects. For example, power plants which burn coal to generate electricity release thousands of tons of greenhouse gasses, including carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and other toxic substances in the air. Moreover, we use patrol and diesel to propel vehicles and emit these gasses in the meanwhile. These gasses stay in the atmosphere for a prolonged period of time as they actively engage in complicated chemical reactions with one another, which serves as a think blanket retaining all the heat at the surface of the earth.
To cease global warming, the government and individual citizens have to collaborate in reducing the use of fossil fuels. To be more specific, the government should provide funding or tax reductions to business which are willing to embrace clean, reusable energy, such as wind, tides and solar energy. Moreover, rules and relations should be introduced to encourage car owners to share rides with other people. For instance, special parking spots can be assigned to those whose participate in carpooling at popular destinations, such as libraries, grocery stores and schools. Individuals, on the other hand, should resort to other forms of commuting methods more often. For instance, instead of driving all the time, we can commute on foot or by bike while travelling within a short distance.
In conclusion, overuse of fossil fuels in industries and automobiles contributes to the issue of global warming. Before it is too late, the government should work together with all citizens to reduce greenhouse gasses by replacing fossil fuels and reducing its consumption. (351 words)
rewrote topic sentences and tried developing one idea more fully…
Over the last few decades, global warming has become increasingly threatening, which affect many aspects of life around the world. Personally, I am of the conviction that the main cause of global warming is the mass consumption of fossil fuels, so one possible solution of this issue would be reducing the use of automobiles.
Burning fossil fuels produces greenhouse gasses, which leads to global warming. It is generally acknowledged that fossil fuels are widely used to propel vehicles. In the meanwhile, byproducts such as carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and other pollutants are released in the air. These toxic substances will stay in the atmosphere for a prolonged period of time and retain the heat from the sun and human activities to the surface of the earth. Consequently, temperatures surge around the world, causing icebergs to melt and sea level to rise. The more fossil fuels are consumed, the more heat is trapped, and the more severe is global warming.
To fight this problem, the government needs to collaborate with individuals to commute less frequently in private vehicles. To be more specific, rules and regulations should be introduced to encourage car owners to share rides with other people. For instance, special parking spots can be assigned to carpools at popular destinations, such as libraries, grocery stores and schools. Individuals, on the other hand, should embrace alternative means of transportation, including walking and riding a bike, especially within a relatively short distance.
In conclusion, I am certain that our rely on fossil energy has resulted in global warming, while this problem can be solved by driving less often. We only have one home planet, and it is high time for every responsible world citizen to take action to fight global warming. (289 words)
Really really strong and well developed!
A bit on the long side I think – how long to write it?
Over the last few decades, global warming has become increasingly threatening, affecting different aspects of life around the world. Personally, I am of the conviction that this problem is caused by the unlimited consumption of fossil fuels in industries and personally owned vehicles, so the only solutions would be governments encouraging clean energy alternatives and individual citizens commuting in their automobiles less frequently.
To start, factories and plants in addition to cars and trucks on the roads constantly burn fossil fuels and produce greenhouse gasses, which has lead to the rise of temperatures and global warming. For example, power plants which burn coal to generate electricity release thousands of tons of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and other toxic substances in the air. Moreover, we use patrol and diesel to propel vehicles and emit more of these gasses. These gasses stay in the atmosphere for a prolonged period of time as they actively engage in complicated chemical reactions with one another, which serves as a thick blanket retaining all the heat on the surface of the earth.
To cease global warming, the government and individual citizens have to collaborate in reducing the use of fossil fuels. To be more specific, the government should provide funding or tax reductions to businesses which are willing to embrace clean, reusable energy, such as wind, tides and solar energy. Moreover, rules and relations should be introduced to encourage car owners to share rides with other people. For instance, special parking spots can be assigned to those who participate in carpooling at popular destinations, such as libraries, grocery stores and schools. Individuals, on the other hand, should resort to other forms of commuting methods more often. For instance, instead of driving all the time, we can commute on foot or by bike while travelling short distances.
In conclusion, overuse of fossil fuels in industry and automobiles contributes to the issue of global warming. Before it is too late, the government should work together with all citizens to reduce greenhouse gasses by replacing fossil fuels and reducing their consumption.
Example1)
What is the topic? The problem of global warming.
How many questions? 2 – What are the causes of this problem? What are some solutions?
How many sides? One for each question.
Example 2)
What is the topic? Investing in renewable energy is the best way to tackle global warming.
How many questions? 2- is it helpful? What other solutions?
How many sides? 1 per question
Great! Make sure that when you write about global warming you have the causeS and the solutionS in your paragraphs.
Hi Dave,
I have come across a few questions that ask you to provide your own knowledge or experience like:
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Can you please give an example of how to answer such questions?
Thank you for your help.
i am an IELTS MENTOR..i always keep learning and try to update my version of knowledge..i hv read content on several websites, however, none can beat this type of content which i get here… honestly.. i like the content posted ….be it task 2 or 1..
keep doing good work…
Sara..
Really appreciate that Sara!
Example 1
Topic:Global warnings is one of the most serious issue.
Question: The cause of global warming
Measure
Sides:two sides
Thanks for commenting, Linda!
1)topic=main concern is global warming
2)questions=two questions;1)what are the causes of this problem,2)what are some solutions to handle it
3)sides=one per question which means two sides
Good, Muskan!
Thanks a lot for such a wonderful lesson.
I am preparing myself for the IELTS exam and I hope to take advantage of your website to get a high score