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
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.
