When preparing for the IELTS test, one of the most important sections to focus on is Writing Task 2. Practising for this section is an excellent way to develop transferable writing skills that you can apply in academic, professional and everyday contexts.
IELTS Writing Task 2 challenges you to compose an academic-style English essay in response to a question or statement. You’ll be tested on your grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. At the same time, you will need to show you can develop ideas clearly, structure an essay logically and support an argument effectively.
In this guide, we’ll explore the five main IELTS essay types you might encounter in Writing Task 2. These include:
- Opinion essays
- Discussion essays
- Problem/solution essays
- Advantages/disadvantages essays
- Two-part question essays
For each type, we’ll share IELTS Writing Task 2 examples, explain how to approach each one and highlight what makes it effective. You can then mirror these techniques in your own English essay. Let’s dive in!
1. IELTS Opinion essay
In an IELTS opinion essay, you are asked whether you agree or disagree with a statement. This English essay type requires a clear stance and supporting arguments throughout the essay.
A well-structured opinion essay typically follows a simple essay structure:
- Introduction that expresses your opinion.
- Body paragraphs that support your opinion with reasons and evidence.
- (Optional) A paragraph that presents an opposing view, but only if you can effectively refute it.
- A conclusion that summaries the main points.
Example IELTS opinion essay excerpt:
Smartphones can have a positive effect on children’s education and social development, and children should be able to use them freely in school and at home.
To what extent do you agree?
While some people believe that allowing children to use smartphones freely is beneficial for their education and social development, I believe they should only be used in moderation under parental supervision.
Firstly, of course, smartphones provide access to countless learning apps and resources, which can support children’s academic skills outside of the classroom. For example, language-learning apps and educational videos allow children to engage with academic subjects in creative and interactive ways. However, they also provide an enormous amount of distraction – and this is why parental supervision and guidance are required.
Why this English essay works:
This example starts with a balanced opening sentence that summarises the question, acknowledges the debate and clearly states the writer’s position. Notice how the first body paragraph topic sentence directly supports the opinion and introduces an example.
Aim to mirror this clarity in your own essay writing in English. Make sure your position is obvious from the introduction and consistently reinforced throughout the essay.
IELTS Tip: Make your overall stance clear and stick to that position consistently.. Avoid sitting on the fence and back up your views with relevant examples.
2. IELTS Discussion essay
This type of English essay asks you to explore both sides of an issue before giving your opinion. This essay type requires careful balance, and presenting contrasting perspectives fairly before concluding.
Sample IELTS discussion essay (Excerpt)
Some people believe that governments should invest heavily in public transport systems, while others think money should be spent on improving roads. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
I will consider both views and explain why I believe that prioritising public transport is essential for sustainable development.
On the one hand, investing in roads can reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, and support local economies by facilitating trade and travel. However, relying heavily on road infrastructure contributes to air pollution and increased vehicle emissions.
Why this English essay works:
This example follows a textbook IELTS essay format. The introduction briefly introduces the topic, outlines the essay’s structure, and includes a thesis statement. The body paragraph presents one side of the argument fairly, with logical points and examples. You can improve your English essay writing by practising this balanced, impartial tone before offering your viewpoint in the final section.
Tip: Avoid emotional language and give each perspective equal attention before presenting your conclusion.
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3. IELTS problem/solution essay
A problem/solution English essay identifies an issue and suggests possible solutions. This essay type requires you to clearly explain both the problem and your proposed ideas for resolving it.
Example IELTS problem/solution essay excerpt:
In many urban areas around the world, air pollution has become a serious problem affecting public health and the environment. What are the reasons for this and how might it be solved?
I will delve intoe the main causes of air pollution around the world and propose viable solutions.
One major cause of urban air pollution especially in developing countries where public transport options are limited. To address this, governments should invest in efficient, affordable public transportation systems and implement vehicle emission regulations.
Why this English essay works:
The introduction precisely states the problem and outlines the essay structure. The body paragraph highlights a clear cause and immediately offers a solution, making the essay easy to follow. Effective essay structure is essential here — always present a problem before providing your solution.
Tip: Stay realistic when suggesting solutions. Avoid vague or overly ambitious ideas that may seem impractical. While you are not assessed on the quality of your ideas, clarity, relevance, and development of your ideas do affect your score.
4. IELTS Advantages/disadvantages essay
This essay type asks you to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a particular issue or trend. A good essay in this category presents a balanced view while making sure each point is supported by clear examples.
Example IELTS advantages/disadvantages essay excerpt:
The increasing popularity of remote working has transformed the modern workplace. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.
Remote work has certainly been part of the public discourse in recent years – and not without good reason. Working from home policies have indeed transformed the way we interact professionally, in some ways for the better and in some ways for the worse. I will look at both sides of the argument in the following essay.
One key advantage of working remotely is the flexibility it offers employees. Without the need to commute, workers can manage their schedules more effectively, which improves work-life balance.
However, a potential drawback is the isolation some employees experience when working alone for extended periods, which can impact mental health.
Why this English essay works:
This excerpt clearly introduces the topic, signals the essay type by mentioning both advantages and disadvantages, and uses topic sentences to control the paragraph focus. A good IELTS essay format involves presenting each point in a separate paragraph with relevant examples and explanations.
IELTS Tip: Keep the number of advantages and disadvantages balanced. Also remember to give your overall opinion in the conclusion, even if the essay question doesn’t directly ask for it.
5. IELTS Two-part question essay
This IELTS essay format presents two questions related to a topic, and you are expected to address both in your essay. It tests your ability to organise an essay clearly and respond to different prompts within one essay.
Sample IELTS two-part question essay (excerpt)
In many countries, people are choosing to have children later in life. Why is this happening? Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
One reason people are deciding to start families at a later stage is the increasing emphasis on career development and financial stability. Many individuals prefer to establish themselves professionally and achieve certain life goals, such as buying a home or travelling, before taking on the responsibilities of parenthood. Additionally, societal expectations have shifted, making it more socially acceptable to have children in one’s late thirties or forties.
Despite some disadvantages, such as potential health risks for older parents and difficulties with fertility, this trend offers several benefits. Older parents are often more financially secure and emotionally prepared to raise children. They may also have more life experience, which can contribute to a stable and supportive family environment.
In response, I believe the advantages of delayed parenthood outweigh the disadvantages, particularly in societies where people have access to advanced healthcare and childcare support.
Why this English essay works:
This IELTS essay format clearly addresses both questions in separate paragraphs, maintaining essay structure and logical progression. The first paragraph answers the ‘why’ question with clear reasons and explanations. The second paragraph evaluates the pros and cons and then provides a balanced conclusion in response to the ‘advantages/disadvantages’ part of the question. Topic sentences directly answer each question, and examples provide specific support for the ideas presented.
Tip: Avoid blending answers into one paragraph. Address each part of the question separately to demonstrate clarity and coherence in your essay writing in English.
English essay tips for IELTS Writing Task 2
No matter which IELTS essay format you are asked to write, there are a few golden rules you should always follow:
- Plan your essay structure carefully, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Use varied sentence structures and linking words for better coherence.
- Support your ideas with examples or hypothetical scenarios where appropriate.
- Stay focused on answering the specific question type, whether it’s an opinion, discussion, or problem/solution essay.
- Check your answer to make sure that you’ve used the correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Reading a wide range of IELTS Writing Task 2 examples is one of the best ways to improve your own English essay writing. IELTS Ready Premium offers more than 40 practice tests, along with model answers. By analysing how these essays are structured and how arguments are developed, you’ll build confidence and improve your essay writing in English.