IELTS Task 2 essay structures HANDOUT

Basic structure is the following:

The sentences you put in each paragraph will depend on what type of question you get.

The five most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are:

1) Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
2) Advantages and Disadvantages
3) Problem and Solution
4) Discussion (Discuss both views)
5) Two-part question

1. Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree) 

Typical Question Words–
What is your opinion?
Do you agree or disagree?
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Direct question.

Example Question–
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school
programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching sports to
younger children).
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Essay Structure 
Introduction 
1- Paraphrase Question
2- Give your opinion and outline main ideas.

Main Body Paragraph 1 
1- Topic Sentence
2- Explain Topic Sentence
3- Example

Main Body Paragraph 2

1- Topic Sentence
2- Explain Topic Sentence
3- Example
Conclusion 
1- Summary of main points and opinion

Agree or Disagree IELTS Sample Essay 

Question- In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a
result of eating too much fast food. It is, therefore, necessary for governments to impose a higher tax
on this kind of food.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is argued that governments should levy a tariff on junk food because the number of health risks
associated with consuming this kind of food is on the rise. This essay agrees that a higher rate of tax
should be paid by fast-food companies. Firstly, alcohol and tobacco companies already pay higher taxes
and secondly, higher taxes could raise prices and lower consumption.

Higher excise on liqueur and cigarettes has proven to be successful at curbing the harm caused by these
substances. This revenue has been used to treat health problems associated with these products and
has proven useful in advertising campaigns warning people about the dangers of alcohol and tobacco
abuse. Tax from fast food could be used in the same way. The United Kingdom is a prime example,
where money from smokers is used to treat lung cancer and heart disease.

Increasing taxes would raise prices and lower consumption. Fast food companies would pass on these
taxes to consumers in the form of higher prices and this would lead to people not being able to afford
junk food because it is too expensive. Junk food would soon become a luxury item and it would only be
consumed occasionally, which would be less harmful to the general public’s health. For instance, the
cost of organic food has proven prohibitively expensive for most people and that is why only a small
percentage of the population buy it regularly.

In conclusion, junk food should be taxed at a higher rate because of the good precedent set by alcohol
and tobacco and the fact that the increased cost should reduce the amount of fast-food people buy.

2. Advantages and Disadvantages Questions

Typical Question Words 

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Example Question
Computers are being used more and more in education.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Essay Structure
Introduction 
1- Paraphrase Question
2- Outline Main Points

Main Body Paragraph 1

1- State One Advantage
2- Expand/Explain Advantage
3- Example
4- Result
Main Body Paragraph 2
1- State One Disadvantage
2- Expand/Explain Disadvantage
3- Example
4- Result

Conclusion 
1- Summary of Main Points

Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS sample essay

Question-In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between
finishing high school and starting university studies.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decided to do this.

Before embarking on college many young people are advised that a year working or travelling may be a
good option. This essay will suggest that saving money is the biggest advantage of this and a reduced
motivation to study is the primary disadvantage.

Third level education is very expensive and lots of students decide to work for 12 months and save up
money before they begin their studies. This allows them to pay for their living costs, tuition fees and
accommodation and focus on their studies, rather than struggle financially or have to get a part-time job
on top of their academic work. The Times recently reported that the average student at a UK university
requires over $12,000 per annum just to survive and many drop out because they cannot afford to stay.

Despite these advantages, many students often get used to working or travelling and don’t want to
return to a life of study after a year off. This short term view can cause some to bypass university
altogether and go straight into a job that is beneath their capabilities or may not offer the same
prospects their future career might have done. For instance, a recent survey by the British Government
found that 26% of students who take a gap-year never enter tertiary education.

In conclusion, taking a break from studies can be advantageous if it allows people to gather up savings,
however, they should also be careful that it does not lead to disillusionment with education altogether.

3. Discuss Both Views Question (Discussion Essay)  

Typical Question Words 
Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.

Example Question 
Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a positive trend,
while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.
Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.

Essay Structure
Introduction 
1- Paraphrase Question and/or state both viewpoints.
2- Thesis Statement
3- Outline Sentence

Main Body Paragraph 1

1- State first viewpoint
2- Discuss first viewpoint
3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint
4- Example to support your view

Main Body Paragraph 2

1- State second viewpoint
2- Discuss second viewpoint
3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint
4- Example to support your view

Conclusion 
Sentence 1- Summary
Sentence 2- State which one is better or more important

Discuss both views question IELTS sample essay

Question- Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a
positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.
Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.

There is an ever increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the classroom. It is often
argued that this is a positive development, whilst others disagree and think it will lead to adverse
ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in technology is beneficial to students and teachers.

It is clear that the internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before.
Moreover, learners have the ability to research and learn about any subject at the touch of a button. It is
therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for education. Wikipedia is a prime example,
where students can simply type in any keyword and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and
easily.

However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. Human
interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Despite this, human
interaction is still possible through the internet and this essay disagrees technology should be dismissed
for this reason. For instance, Skype and Facebook make it possible for people to interact in ways that
were never before possible.

In conclusion, while the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap in to
limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomenon and
not allow it to curb face to face interaction. However, as long as we are careful to keep in mind the
importance of human interaction in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive.

4. Problem and Solution Questions

Typical Question Words 
Problem and solution.
Cause and solution.

Example Question 
Students are becoming more and more reliant on computers.
What are some of the problems associated with reliance on computers, and what are some of the
possible solutions?
Essay Structure
Introduction 
1- Paraphrase Question
2- Outline Sentence

Main Body Paragraph 1

1- State Problem
2- Explain Problem
3- Result
4- Example

Main Body Paragraph 2

1- State Solution
2- Explain Solution
3- Example

Conclusion 
1- Summary

Problem and Solution IELTS Sample Essay

Question- Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century and sea levels
are continuing to rise at alarming rates. 
What problems are associated with this and what are some possible solutions.
 
Climate change is among the principal dangers facing people this century and ocean levels are increasing
dramatically. This essay will first suggest that the biggest problem caused by this phenomenon is the
flooding of homes and then submit building flood protection as the most viable solution.

The foremost problem caused by sea levels creeping up is the flooding of peoples’ residences. Millions
of people all over the world live in coastal areas and if the sea rises by even a few feet, they will be
inundated with water and lose their property. Shelter is one of the most basic of human needs and
widespread flooding would cause millions of people to become homeless, not to mention losing all of
their possessions. The devastation brought about by this was clear for all to see during the 2011
Tsunami in Japan, in which millions of people were displaced.

A possible solution to this problem would be to build flood barriers. Flood defences, such as dikes, dams
and floodgates,  could be built along coasts and waterways, thereby stopping the water reaching
populated areas. The Netherlands is one of the most populated areas in the world and also one of the
most vulnerable to flooding and they have successfully employed various flood defence systems.

To conclude, stemming the rising tides caused by increasing global temperatures is one of the foremost
challenges we face and it will ultimately lead to many of the worlds’ cities being left underwater, but a
possible solution could be to utilise the flood prevention techniques already used by countries like
Holland.
 5. Two-Part Questions
Typical Question Words 
There will normally be a statement and they will then ask you to answer to separate questions.

Example Question
As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of
individual wellbeing.
What factors contribute to job satisfaction?
How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

Essay Structure
Introduction 
1- Paraphrase Question
2- Outline Sentence (mention both questions)

Main Body Paragraph 1

1- Answer first question directly
2- Explain why
3- Further explain
4- Example

Main Body Paragraph 2

1- Answer second question directly
2- Explain why
3- Further explain
4- Example

Conclusion 
1- Summary

Two-part question IELTS Sample Essay

Question- As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an
important element of individual wellbeing.
What factors contribute to job satisfaction?
How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?
As the majority of adults spend most of their time at work, being content with your career is a crucial
part of a person’s health and happiness. This essay will first suggest fair pay as a key element leading to
job satisfaction and it will then state that it is not very likely that everyone can be happy with their job.

The most important thing that leads to someone being satisfied at work is being compensated fairly. If
those more senior than you respect you as a person and the job you are doing then you feel like you are
valued. A fair salary and benefits are important marks of respect and if you feel you are being underpaid
you will either resent your bosses or look for another job. These two factors came top of a recent job
satisfaction survey conducted by Monster.com, that found that 72% of people were pleased with their
current role if their superiors regularly told them they were appreciated.

With regards to the question of happiness for all workers, I think this is and always will be highly
unlikely. The vast majority of people fail to reach their goals and end up working in a post they don’t
really care about in return for a salary. This money is just enough to pay their living expenses which
often means they are trapped in a cycle of disenchantment. For example, The Times recently reported
that 89% of office workers would leave their jobs if they did not need the money.
In conclusion, being satisfied with your trade or profession is an important part of one’s well-being and
respect from one’s colleagues and fair pay can improve your level of happiness, however, job
satisfaction of all workers is an unrealistic prospect.