Dr.
Sara Ashouri
Essay Types & Paragraph Structure
A classroom-ready guide for teaching introduction, body
paragraphs, and conclusion for each essay type.
Advanced Writing Course
The Core Logic: Identify the Question, Then Plan
1 2 3 4 5
Opinion Discussion Adv/Disadv Problem/Solution Two-Part
Give a clear position Discuss two views Explain both sides Problems + solutions Answer two questions
4-paragraph Introduction → Body Paragraph 1 → Body Paragraph 2 →
framework Conclusion
Classroom goal: Students should learn to match each body paragraph to a specific part of the prompt.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 • 2
agree / disagree • to what
extent Recommended 4-paragraph essay plan
Introduction Body Paragraph Body Paragraph Conclusion
1 2 3 4
includes 1 includes 2 includes includes
Paraphrase the question Topic sentence: reason 1 Topic sentence: reason 2 Restate your opinion
Explain the reason Explain the reason
State your opinion Give an example Give an example Summarize both
clearly Show the result Show the result reasons
Teacher note Each body paragraph must answer one clear part of the question. Strong grammar cannot
compensate for answering the wrong task.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 • 3
discuss both views + opinion Recommended 4-paragraph essay plan
Introduction Body Paragraph Body Paragraph Conclusion
1 2 3 4
includes 1 includes 2 includes includes
Topic sentence for view 1 Topic sentence for view 2
Paraphrase the topic
Mention both views briefly
Explain view 1 Explain view 2 Summarize both views
Give an example Give an example Restate your opinion
Give your opinion if asked
Show why people support it Add your opinion if required
Teacher note Each body paragraph must answer one clear part of the question. Strong grammar cannot
compensate for answering the wrong task.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 • 4
3. Advantages / Disadvantages Essay
advantages • disadvantages •
outweigh Recommended 4-paragraph essay plan
Introduction Body Paragraph Body Paragraph Conclusion
1 2 3 4
includes 1 includes 2 includes includes
Paraphrase the topic Topic sentence about Topic sentence about
advantages disadvantages Summarize both sides
Mention both sides Advantage 1 + explanation Disadvantage 1 + explanation
Give opinion only for Final opinion only for
Example Example
“outweigh” Advantage 2 if needed Disadvantage 2 if needed “outweigh”
Teacher note Each body paragraph must answer one clear part of the question. Strong grammar cannot
compensate for answering the wrong task.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 • 5
4. Problem / Solution Essay
problems • causes • solutions Recommended 4-paragraph essay plan
Introduction Body Paragraph Body Paragraph Conclusion
1 2 3 4
includes 1 includes 2 includes includes
Paraphrase the topic Topic sentence about Topic sentence about
problems/causes solutions Summarize
Introduce Problem or cause 1 Solution 1
problem/causes problems/causes
Explain + example Explain how it works
Mention solutions Problem or cause 2 if needed Solution 2 if needed Summarize solutions
Teacher note Each body paragraph must answer one clear part of the question. Strong grammar cannot
compensate for answering the wrong task.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 • 6
answer two separate
questions Recommended 4-paragraph essay plan
Introduction Body Paragraph Body Paragraph Conclusion
1 2 3 4
includes 1 includes 2 includes includes
Topic sentence answering Topic sentence answering Q2 Summarize answer to
Paraphrase the topic Q1 Clear answer or opinion if
Reason 1 required
Q1
Briefly answer both Summarize answer to
Explain + example Explain + example
questions Reason 2 if needed Show the result Q2
Teacher note Each body paragraph must answer one clear part of the question. Strong grammar cannot
compensate for answering the wrong task.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 • 7
Classroom Summary & Body Paragraph Formula
Use this formula for body paragraphs:
Result / final
T Topic sentence E Explanation E Example R sentence
Essay Type Introduction Body 1 Body 2 Conclusion
Opinion Paraphrase + opinion Reason 1 Reason 2 Restate opinion
Discussion Paraphrase + both views + opinion View 1 View 2 + opinion Summarize + opinion
Adv/Disadv Paraphrase + both sides Advantages Disadvantages Summarize
Problem/Solution Paraphrase + problem/solution Problems/causes Solutions Summarize
Two-Part Paraphrase + answer both Qs Answer Q1 Answer Q2 Summarize both
Key point: First understand the question type. Then decide what each paragraph must do.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 • 8