IELTS

Writing - Task 2

General information

Essay style question

40 minutes - 250 words

Topics of general interest

Personal approach

Make sure you actually answer the question!

Types of Essays

Discussion Essays

Double Questions Essay

Opinion Essays

Problem Solution Essays

Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Marking Criteria

Lexical Resource

Cohesion and Coherence

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Task Achievement

The Prompt

Structure

Discussion Essay

Opinion Essay

Structure

Problem Solution Essay

Problem and solution

Cause and solution

Just the solution

Steps

Discussion and opinion essays

Analyse the question - key words

Generate ideas

Decide your opinion

Vocabulary - paraphrasing and synonyms

Introduction

Discussion Essay

1. Paraphrase

2. State two supporting reasons

3. Give your opinion

2-3 sentences / 40-60 words.

Question: Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down. Others, however, believe that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Exercise

Read the prompt and identify the type of essay your must write. Then, write an introduction for each of them

Some people today feel that physical money will no longer be used in the future. Others feel it will still have some uses.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Fast food has become more common in recent years. Some people think that it has a negative effect on lifestyles and diets.

Do you agree or disagree?

Structure

Double Questions Essay

Advantages and Disadvantages

There are always two questions that may be or not linked.

Paragraphing

Topic Sentence

The main idea of the paragraph. It goes at the beginning.

Supporting Ideas

More focused arguments/reasons that support the main idea

Example

Make sure your examples are relevant and linked to the topic sentence

On the one hand, there are many projects in existence in zoological parks around the world where species facing extinction have been successfully bred in captivity and their numbers increased substantially. This is important for ensuring the survival of animals under threat from poaching and the destruction of their natural environments. A good example of this is the golden lion tamarin from Brazil which nearly died out because of logging and mining activities which are destroying its habitat. Today, a third of wild golden lion tamarins were raised in captivity.

Example

Conclusion

The conclusion summarizes the main points.

2-3 sentences long.

Never introduce new ideas.