The five essay types
Read the question twice and identify its type. Most marks lost in Task 2 come from not answering what was asked.
| Type | Typical wording | What you must do |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | To what extent do you agree or disagree? | Give your view and keep to it throughout |
| Discussion | Discuss both views and give your own opinion. | Cover both views fairly, then state yours |
| Problem and solution | What are the causes? What can be done? | Answer both parts: causes (or problems) and solutions |
| Advantages and disadvantages | Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? | Weigh both sides and reach a conclusion |
| Two-part question | Why is this happening? Is it positive or negative? | Answer each question directly |
A four-paragraph structure that works
- Introduction (2–3 sentences): paraphrase the topic in your own words and state your position or what the essay will do.
- Body paragraph 1: one main idea, explained and supported with a reason or example.
- Body paragraph 2: a second main idea (or the other view, or the solutions), developed the same way.
- Conclusion (1–2 sentences): restate your position clearly. No new ideas.
Worked example: planning in five minutes
The question
Some people think that schools should teach children how to manage money, while others believe this is the responsibility of parents. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Type: discussion, so both views plus your own. A five-minute plan:
| Paragraph | Plan |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Money skills matter; views differ on who should teach them. My view: schools should, with parents' support. |
| Body 1: schools | Reaches every child, including those whose parents can't teach it; can be taught step by step, e.g. budgeting projects in maths. |
| Body 2: parents | Everyday decisions at home are real practice; values about spending are personal. But depends on the parents' own knowledge. |
| Conclusion | Both have a role, but schools should lead, because every child deserves the basics. |
A sample introduction
Knowing how to budget and save is an essential life skill, yet there is disagreement about who should teach it. While some believe this belongs at home, I would argue that schools are better placed to make sure every child learns the basics, with parents reinforcing those lessons.
The mistakes that cost the most
Answering only part of the question
A discussion essay with no opinion, or a problem–solution essay with no solutions, caps your Task Response score.
A position that changes
If your introduction agrees and your conclusion half-disagrees, the examiner sees an unclear position.
Memorised phrases and long lists
Learnt-by-heart openings and strings of ideas without explanation look impressive to the writer, not the examiner. Two ideas, well developed, beat five mentioned.
Too short
Under 250 words loses marks. See the Writing overview for how word counts work.
Questions
How many paragraphs should an IELTS Task 2 essay have?+
Four or five is typical: an introduction, two or three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. What matters is that each paragraph has one clear main idea.
Can I give my opinion in an advantages and disadvantages essay?+
If the question asks whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, you must reach a conclusion. Otherwise, a clear, balanced conclusion is enough.
Should I use 'I' in an IELTS essay?+
Yes, when you give your opinion. Phrases like 'I would argue' or 'in my view' make your position clear.
How long should I spend planning?+
About five minutes. A short plan makes the essay faster to write and much easier to follow.