IELTS Academic Writing Task 2. Essay types

Typically, in IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 you’re required to do one of the following: offer a solution to a problem, express your opinion on a certain issue, or contrast two points of view on a topic presented in the task. In this article I’m going to cover the basic types of Writing Task 2 and show you the hoops you have to jump through to get a good mark.

1.    Problem – solution essay
In a “problem – solution” essay you will be introduced to an unwelcome situation; you’ll be asked to provide reasons for it and offer your solutions to the problem. For this type of writing task, the main body of your essay will have three paragraphs; in each of them you should give one cause of the problem along with one solution for dealing with the stated cause. So, you will have a total of 3 causes and 3 respective solutions.
Essay structure
[Para 1] Introduction: tell about the general setting for the problem – move on to the problem itself – explain what your essay is about.
[Para 2] Cause 1 – solution 1.
[Para 3] Cause 2 – solution 2.
[Para 4] Cause 3 – solution 3.
[Para 5] Conclusion: restate the problem in different words, summarize the key points of Para 2-4 and express your point of view on the issue.

Sample task
You should spend about 40 minutes on the task.
Write about the following topic:

These days, people are becoming less and less healthy. What are the reasons for it and how could this problem be tackled?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience.
Write at least 250 words.

2.    Opinion essay
In an “opinion essay” you will need to express your opinion on a given issue. For this type of essay, you will need to talk about two points that support your opinion; in addition, you should provide an alternative point of view on the matter at hand.
  
Essay structure
[Para 1] Introduction: tell about the general setting for the problem – move on to the problem itself – say what your opinion is.
[Para 2] Give 2 supporting points (you can break it into 2 paragraphs).
[Para 3] Write about an alternative point of view.
[Para 4] Conclusion: summarize the key points of Para 2-3 and restate your opinion.

Sample task
You should spend about 40 minutes on the task.
Write about the following topic:

It is said that the general level of education is deteriorating.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience.
Write at least 250 words.

3.    Discussion essay
In a task for a “discussion essay” you will be asked to discuss two opposing views on the same issue. For this type of writing task you will need to present the two points of views in the introduction, and talk about them in detail in the main body.

Essay structure
[Para 1] Introduction: tell about the general setting for the problem – move on to the problem itself – introduce the contrasting views on the problem (alternatively, talk about only one of the opinions; after describing it in detail in Paragraph 2, move on to explaining the other one in Paragraph 3).
[Para 2] Discuss one view of the problem; support your ideas with examples.
[Para 3] Discuss the other side of the problem; support your ideas with examples.
[Para 4] Conclusion: sum up with your personal opinion; indicate which view you agree with.
  
 Sample task
You should spend about 40 minutes on the task.
Write about the following topic:

Some people view lack of physical activity as an essential part of technological progress, while others oppose technology taking over our lives because it is threatening to our health.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience.
Write at least 250 words.

4.    Advantages and disadvantages essay
In an “advantages and disadvantages essay” you’ll need to write about the pros and cons of a particular phenomenon. You should specify at least two advantages and two disadvantages.

Essay structure
[Para 1] Introduction: tell about the general setting for the problem – move on to the problem itself – explain what your essay is about.
[Para 2] Discuss the advantages; support your ideas with examples (alternatively, break this paragraph into two).
[Para 3] Discuss the disadvantages; support your ideas with examples (alternatively, break this paragraph into two).
[Para 4] Conclusion: conclude with your own point of view.

Sample task

You should spend about 40 minutes on the task.
Write about the following topic:

These days, the Internet is becoming more and more accessible for teachers and students around the world. There are surely many benefits to it, but some people fear that the Net might have a negative effect on the educational process.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the World Wide Web in education.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience.
Write at least 250 words.

Комментариев нет:

Отправить комментарий