6 Types of IELTS Writing Task 2 Essays (And How to Structure Each One)
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Before you plan your paragraphs, before you brainstorm ideas, before you write a single word — you need to answer one question: what type of essay is this?
That might sound obvious, but it is the single most common reason students score below Band 7 on Task Response. They write a perfectly good opinion essay when the question was actually asking them to discuss both sides. They give solutions when the question only asked about advantages and disadvantages. The writing is fine; the answer is wrong.
IELTS Writing Task 2 uses six main question types. Each one requires a different structure, a different approach to paragraphs, and a different way of presenting your ideas. This guide breaks down every type so you can identify the question in seconds and structure your response correctly every time.
Why Identifying the Question Type Matters
Task Response is worth 25% of your Writing score. The Band 7 descriptor for Task Response specifically requires that you address all parts of the task and present a clear position throughout.
If you misidentify the question type, you will almost certainly fail to address all parts of the task — even if your grammar is flawless and your vocabulary is impressive. A well-written essay that answers the wrong question rarely scores above Band 6 for Task Response.
The good news: once you learn to recognize the six types, identifying them becomes automatic.
Type 1: Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree)
How to recognize it: The question presents a statement and asks for your opinion. Look for phrases like:
- "To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
- "Do you agree or disagree?"
- "What is your opinion?"
Example prompt:
Some people believe that universities should focus on providing academic skills rather than preparing students for employment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Structure
| Paragraph | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase the topic + state your clear opinion |
| Body 1 | First reason supporting your opinion + example/explanation |
| Body 2 | Second reason supporting your opinion + example/explanation |
| Conclusion | Restate your opinion in different words |
Key tip
Pick a side and stick with it. "Partly agree" is fine, but your position must be clear from the introduction and consistent throughout. Do not switch positions in your conclusion.
Read the full guide: Opinion Essay Structure for IELTS: Proven Template for Band 7+
Type 2: Discussion Essay (Discuss Both Views)
How to recognize it: The question asks you to consider two opposing viewpoints. Look for:
- "Discuss both views and give your opinion."
- "Discuss both sides of this argument."
- "Some people think X while others believe Y. Discuss both views."
Example prompt:
Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age, while others believe they should not start school until they are older. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Structure
| Paragraph | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase both views + state which one you support |
| Body 1 | First view — explain why some people hold this opinion (2–3 reasons) |
| Body 2 | Second view — explain why others disagree (2–3 reasons) |
| Conclusion | Restate your opinion and briefly explain why |
Key tip
You must discuss both views, even if you strongly disagree with one. Give each view fair treatment in its own paragraph, then make your position clear. Failing to discuss one side will hurt your Task Response score.
Read the full guide: Discussion Essay vs Opinion Essay: What IELTS Actually Wants
Type 3: Problem-Solution Essay
How to recognize it: The question describes a problem and asks you to explain causes, effects, or solutions. Look for:
- "What are the causes and what solutions can you suggest?"
- "What problems does this cause and what can be done to address them?"
- "Why is this happening and how can it be solved?"
Example prompt:
In many countries, the amount of household waste is increasing. What are the causes of this trend, and what measures could be taken to reduce it?
Structure
| Paragraph | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase the problem + outline that you will discuss causes and solutions |
| Body 1 | Causes of the problem (2–3 causes with explanation) |
| Body 2 | Solutions to the problem (2–3 solutions, ideally linked to the causes) |
| Conclusion | Summarize the main cause and most effective solution |
Key tip
Link your solutions to your causes. If you say the problem is caused by a lack of public awareness, then one of your solutions should address public awareness. This creates coherence that examiners reward.
Read the full guide: Problem-Solution Essay: Complete IELTS Structure and Strategy for Band 7+
Type 4: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
How to recognize it: The question asks you to weigh up the positives and negatives. There are two sub-types:
- "Discuss the advantages and disadvantages." (no opinion needed)
- "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" (opinion required)
Example prompt (discuss type):
More and more people are working from home. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.
Example prompt (outweigh type):
Some people believe that social media does more harm than good. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Structure (discuss type)
| Paragraph | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase the topic + state there are advantages and disadvantages |
| Body 1 | Advantages (2–3 points with explanation) |
| Body 2 | Disadvantages (2–3 points with explanation) |
| Conclusion | Summarize both sides briefly |
Structure (outweigh type)
| Paragraph | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase the topic + state your position (which side outweighs) |
| Body 1 | The side that outweighs — give more detail here |
| Body 2 | The other side — acknowledge these points but keep it shorter |
| Conclusion | Restate your position |
Key tip
Read the question carefully. "Discuss the advantages and disadvantages" and "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" require different approaches. The first asks for a balanced discussion. The second asks for your opinion on which side is stronger. Confusing the two is one of the most common mistakes in IELTS Writing.
Read the full guide: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay: How to Score Band 7 in IELTS
Type 5: Two-Part Question Essay
How to recognize it: The question contains two distinct questions, usually separated by "and" or presented as two sentences. Look for:
- Two question marks in the prompt
- Two clearly different things being asked
- "Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?"
- "What are the reasons for this? What effect does it have on society?"
Example prompt:
Many young people today are choosing to delay marriage. Why do you think this is happening? Do you think it is a positive or negative trend?
Structure
| Paragraph | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase the topic + briefly indicate your answers to both questions |
| Body 1 | Answer the first question fully (2–3 points) |
| Body 2 | Answer the second question fully (2–3 points) |
| Conclusion | Summarize your answers to both parts |
Key tip
Give equal treatment to both questions. Many students spend 200 words on the first question and 50 on the second. This unbalanced response will cost you marks on Task Response. Plan your time so each body paragraph gets roughly equal development.
Read the full guide: Two-Part Questions: How to Answer Both Parts Equally in IELTS Writing
Type 6: Direct Question Essay
How to recognize it: The question asks you specific, targeted questions that do not fit neatly into the other categories. These may ask:
- "Is this a positive or negative development?"
- "What is the most important factor in X?"
- "To what extent is this true?"
Example prompt:
In some countries, an increasing number of people are living alone. Is this a positive or negative trend? What problems might it cause?
Structure
| Paragraph | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase the topic + preview your answers |
| Body 1 | Address the first question directly (with reasons and examples) |
| Body 2 | Address the second question directly (with reasons and examples) |
| Conclusion | Summarize your position |
Key tip
Direct question essays overlap with two-part questions. The key difference is that direct questions may contain a single question that requires a direct, specific answer rather than a broad discussion. Read the prompt carefully and answer exactly what is asked — nothing more, nothing less.
Read the full guide: Direct Question Essays: Structure and Strategy for Band 7+ in IELTS
How to Identify the Question Type in 10 Seconds
Use this quick-reference table during your exam:
| If you see... | The essay type is... | You need to... |
|---|---|---|
| "agree or disagree" / "what is your opinion" | Opinion | Pick a side, give reasons |
| "discuss both views" | Discussion | Cover both sides, then give your view |
| "causes" + "solutions" or "problems" + "solutions" | Problem-Solution | Explain causes, propose solutions |
| "advantages and disadvantages" | Advantages/Disadvantages | List pros and cons |
| "outweigh" | Advantages/Disadvantages (outweigh) | Give your view on which side is stronger |
| Two separate questions | Two-Part Question | Answer both questions equally |
| A specific question that does not fit the above | Direct Question | Answer the question directly |
The process:
- Read the statement (the background information)
- Read the question (the instruction at the end)
- Underline the key instruction words ("agree or disagree", "discuss both views", "causes and solutions")
- Match to the table above
- Plan your four paragraphs
This takes 10 seconds. It saves you from writing an off-topic essay.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Essay Structure
Mistake 1: Treating a discussion essay like an opinion essay
A discussion essay asks you to explore both sides before giving your opinion. If you only argue for one side, you have not fully addressed the task. Always give the opposing view its own paragraph.
Mistake 2: Confusing the two advantages/disadvantages sub-types
"Discuss the advantages and disadvantages" wants a balanced discussion — no opinion needed. "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" requires a clear position. These look similar but need different structures.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the second part of a two-part question
Students often answer the first question in detail and then rush through the second question in two sentences. Both parts carry equal weight. Plan accordingly.
Mistake 4: Giving solutions when the question only asks for causes
If the prompt says "What are the causes of this problem?" — give causes. Do not add solutions unless the question explicitly asks for them. Volunteering extra information does not earn bonus marks; it shows you did not read the question carefully.
Mistake 5: Sitting on the fence in an opinion essay
"To what extent do you agree or disagree?" requires a clear position. Writing "there are arguments on both sides" without committing to a view will limit your Task Response score. You do not need an extreme position, but you do need a clear one.
Key Takeaways
- All six essay types use a four-paragraph structure — introduction, two body paragraphs, conclusion. What changes is the content of each paragraph.
- Identifying the question type is the first step in planning any Task 2 essay. Get this wrong and your Task Response score drops regardless of your language quality.
- Read the question instruction carefully — the key words ("agree or disagree", "discuss both views", "causes and solutions") tell you exactly which type it is.
- Each type has a specific structure — use the tables in this guide as your blueprint until the structures become automatic.
- When in doubt, underline the instruction words and match them to the quick-reference table above.
The most effective way to internalize these structures is to practice with real IELTS prompts. Identify the type, plan your four paragraphs, and write the essay under timed conditions. After a few practice sessions, recognizing the question type becomes second nature.
Struggling to identify your essay type or unsure if your structure is correct? Try BandWriteCoach — our AI evaluator checks your structure, Task Response, and all four IELTS scoring criteria in minutes.