IELTS Writing Task 2

Essay Question Types — Templates, Structures & Sample Outlines

Task 2 asks you to write a 250+ word essay responding to a point of view, argument, or problem. You
have about 40 minutes. Unlike Task 1, this is about your opinion and reasoning, supported with
explanation and examples.

There are 5 main question types. Each one needs a different essay structure. Learning to instantly
recognize the type — and apply its template — is the single biggest score booster for Task 2.

Overview: The 5 Question Types

Type Typical Keywords What It Asks

1. Opinion (Agree/Disagree) "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" State and defend your opinion

2. Discussion (Both Views) "Discuss both views and give your opinion" Discuss two sides, then give your
view

3. "What are the advantages and Present both sides (opinion

Advantages/Disadvantages disadvantages?" optional)

4. Problem/Solution "What problems does this cause? Suggest Identify problems and propose
solutions" solutions

5. Two-Part Question "Why is this happening? Is it a positive or Answer both sub-questions

negative trend?" directly
Type 1 — Opinion Essay (Agree / Disagree)
Example question: "Some people believe that the best way to reduce crime is by giving longer prison
sentences. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

Strategy
Pick one side only and defend it throughout (don't sit on the fence). You may briefly acknowledge the
other view, but your position must stay clear and consistent from intro to conclusion.

Template

Paragraph Content

Introduction Paraphrase the question + clearly state your opinion (thesis statement)

Body 1 First reason supporting your opinion + explanation + example

Body 2 Second reason supporting your opinion + explanation + example

Conclusion Restate your opinion in different words + brief summary

Useful Language
• Stating opinion: I firmly believe that... / In my view... / I am convinced that...

• Giving reasons: This is mainly because... / One key reason for this is...

• Examples: For instance... / A clear example of this is...

• Conceding a point: While it is true that..., this does not outweigh...

Sample Outline
Thesis: Longer sentences alone do not solve crime; addressing root causes is more effective.
Body 1: Long sentences don't address causes like poverty or lack of education — reoffending
stays high.
Body 2: Rehabilitation and social programs reduce reoffending more effectively (cite a
country/example).
Conclusion: Prevention and rehabilitation outweigh punishment alone.
Type 2 — Discussion Essay (Discuss Both Views)
Example question: "Some people think that students should study a wide range of subjects, while
others believe they should focus on one subject. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Strategy
You must discuss both sides fairly — one side per body paragraph — then give your own opinion,
usually in the conclusion (or woven throughout, if you prefer a stronger stance).

Template

Paragraph Content

Introduction Paraphrase the question + state that you will discuss both views

Body 1 Explain View 1 + reasons/examples supporting it

Body 2 Explain View 2 + reasons/examples supporting it

Conclusion State your own opinion + brief summary of both views

Useful Language
• Introducing a view: On the one hand... / Proponents of this view argue that...

• Introducing the other view: On the other hand... / Others, however, contend that...

• Giving your opinion: Having considered both sides, I believe that...

Sample Outline
Body 1 (broad subjects): Builds well-rounded knowledge, helps students discover interests,
useful for general careers.
Body 2 (single subject): Builds deep expertise, prepares students for specialized careers,
matches focused job markets like medicine or engineering.
Conclusion: A balanced approach in early education, specializing later, may be most beneficial.
Type 3 — Advantages and Disadvantages
Example question: "More and more people are working from home. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of this trend?"

Strategy
Present both sides clearly. Check the question wording carefully — some versions ask only to describe
both sides; others add "and give your opinion," which requires a clear personal stance too.

Template

Paragraph Content

Introduction Paraphrase the question + state you will examine both sides

Body 1 Advantages + explanation + example

Body 2 Disadvantages + explanation + example

Conclusion Weigh both sides + your opinion if asked

Useful Language
• Advantages: One major benefit of this is... / This brings several advantages, such as...

• Disadvantages: However, this trend also has drawbacks... / A significant downside is...

• Weighing up: Despite these drawbacks, the benefits arguably outweigh the costs...

Sample Outline
Body 1 (advantages): Saves commuting time, improves work-life balance, reduces office costs for
companies.
Body 2 (disadvantages): Can cause isolation, blurs work-life boundaries, harder to collaborate
spontaneously.
Conclusion: Benefits are significant, but a hybrid model may balance both sides best.
Type 4 — Problem and Solution
Example question: "In many cities, traffic congestion is a serious problem. What problems does this
cause, and what solutions can you suggest?"

Strategy
Identify clear, specific problems — then match each with a realistic solution. Vague problems ("it's bad
for society") and vague solutions ("the government should fix it") score poorly. Be concrete.

Template

Paragraph Content

Introduction Paraphrase the question + state you will cover problems and solutions

Body 1 Problem(s) explained with cause/effect + example

Body 2 Solution(s) matched to each problem, with feasibility explained

Conclusion Summarize the main problem and most effective solution

Useful Language
• Problems: This gives rise to a number of problems, the most serious being... / This results in...

• Solutions: One effective solution would be to... / This problem could be addressed by...

• Linking cause/effect: As a result... / Consequently... / This, in turn, leads to...

Sample Outline
Body 1 (problems): Wasted time and fuel, increased air pollution, stress and reduced productivity.
Body 2 (solutions): Investing in public transport, congestion pricing in city centers, promoting
remote work to cut peak-hour traffic.
Conclusion: Combining better infrastructure with demand-reduction policies is most effective.
Type 5 — Two-Part Question
Example question: "Many young people today choose to delay marriage. What are the reasons for this?
Is this a positive or negative development?"

Strategy
There are two distinct questions hidden in one prompt. You must answer both directly — missing
one half of the question caps your Task Response score regardless of how well you write.

Template

Paragraph Content

Introduction Paraphrase the question + signal that you will answer both parts

Body 1 Answer to Question A (e.g., reasons) + explanation + example

Body 2 Answer to Question B (e.g., positive/negative judgment) + explanation + example

Conclusion Briefly restate your answers to both parts

Useful Language
• Reasons: There are several reasons behind this trend. Firstly... / Another contributing factor is...

• Judging positive/negative: This development is largely positive because... / This is concerning,

primarily because...

Sample Outline
Body 1 (reasons): Rising career focus, financial independence prioritized, changing social
attitudes toward marriage timing.
Body 2 (judgment): Largely positive — leads to more stable marriages and informed life choices,
though it may contribute to lower birth rates.
Conclusion: A reasonable trend reflecting changing priorities, with manageable trade-offs.
General Rules That Apply to Every Essay Type
1. Always Paraphrase the Question in Your Introduction
Never copy the prompt word-for-word. Change vocabulary and sentence structure, just like in Task 1.

2. One Clear Idea Per Body Paragraph

Each body paragraph should follow this internal mini-structure:

Step Function Example Phrase

Topic sentence State the main idea of the One major advantage of remote work is...
paragraph

Explanation Explain why/how this is true This is because employees no longer need
to commute...

Example Give a specific, concrete example For example, a worker saving two hours
daily can use...

Link (optional) Connect back to the This clearly demonstrates the practical
question/opinion benefit of...

3. Useful Linking Words (Don't Overuse Any Single One)

Function Words/Phrases

Adding a point Furthermore, In addition, Moreover, Besides this

Contrasting However, On the other hand, Nevertheless, Whereas

Cause and effect As a result, Consequently, This leads to, Therefore

Giving examples For instance, A good example of this is, To illustrate

Concluding In conclusion, To sum up, Overall

4. Word Count and Time Management

Stage Time Notes

Planning 3–5 min Identify question type, brainstorm 2 ideas, choose your opinion

Writing 30 min Aim for 260–290 words; longer risks losing accuracy

Checking 5 min Check grammar, articles, verb tense, paragraph linking

5. Common Mistakes That Lower Your Score

• Not answering all parts of the question (especially Type 5 — two-part questions)

• Sitting on the fence in an Opinion essay (Type 1) instead of choosing one clear side

• Giving generic, unexplained examples ("for example, technology has changed everything")
• Writing under 250 words, or far over 320 (accuracy usually drops when essays run too long)

• Memorized "template" phrases used so mechanically they don't fit the actual question

Next step: pick one question type above, write a full essay using its template, and get it corrected.