Structure is the skeleton of your essay. If your skeleton is broken, your essay collapses. In this guide, we provide proven templates for the 5 most common IELTS Writing Task 2 question types, with real examples and strategies for Band 7-9 essays.
The 5 Question Types You Must Master
Before you start writing, you must identify the question type. Each requires a slightly different approach. Misidentifying the type is one of the most common reasons students score Band 6.0 instead of 7.0.
- Opinion (Agree/Disagree): "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" → Give YOUR opinion.
- Discussion (Both Views): "Discuss both views and give your own opinion." → Neutral discussion + your view at the end.
- Problem & Solution: "What are the problems? What solutions can you suggest?" → Identify issues + propose fixes.
- Advantage & Disadvantage: "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" → Weigh pros vs cons.
- Double Question: Two direct questions. → Answer both equally.
Common Mistake
Template 1: Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree)
Use this when asked for your opinion. It's best to pick ONE side clearly and argue it throughout.
Structure
- Introduction (2-3 sentences): Paraphrase topic + State your opinion clearly (Thesis Statement). "I completely agree that..." or "I strongly disagree..."
- Body Paragraph 1: First reason supporting your opinion + Explanation + Example/Evidence.
- Body Paragraph 2: Second reason supporting your opinion + Explanation + Example.
- Conclusion (2 sentences): Restate opinion + Summarize main reasons. Do NOT introduce new ideas.
Example Question:
"Some people believe that children should start learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
Example Thesis:
"I completely agree that introducing foreign languages in primary education is beneficial because young children have greater cognitive flexibility and more time to achieve fluency."
Pro Tip
Template 2: Discussion Essay (Both Views)
Use this when asked to "Discuss both views". You must present both sides fairly, then give your opinion in the conclusion.
Structure
- Introduction: Paraphrase topic + State that you will discuss both sides. "While some argue X, others believe Y. This essay will examine both perspectives."
- Body Paragraph 1: Discuss View A (On the one hand...). Explain why people believe this + Example.
- Body Paragraph 2: Discuss View B (On the other hand...). Explain why others believe this + Example.
- Conclusion: Summarize both views + State YOUR opinion clearly here. "In my view, X is more convincing because..."
Key Linking Words for Discussion Essays
- On the one hand, ...
- On the other hand, ...
- Proponents argue that ...
- Critics contend that ...
Template 3: Problem/Solution Essay
Use this for "Causes/Solutions" or "Problems/Solutions" questions. Structure is straightforward: Problems → Solutions.
Structure
- Introduction: Paraphrase topic + Outline what you will write about. "This essay will examine the key challenges and propose viable solutions."
- Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the Problems/Causes. (The primary issue is... Another problem is...)
- Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the Solutions. (The most effective solution is... Additionally, governments could...)
- Conclusion: Summarize the main problems and solutions. "In conclusion, while [problems] are significant, [solutions] can effectively address them."
Example Pairing
Template 4: Advantages/Disadvantages Essay
Two approaches: (1) Balanced (equal paragraphs), or (2) Outweigh (more weight to one side).
Structure (Outweigh)
- Introduction: State your position. "While there are some drawbacks, I believe the advantages of X outweigh the disadvantages."
- Body 1: Discuss the disadvantages briefly (1-2 points).
- Body 2: Discuss the advantages in more depth (2-3 points). This paragraph should be longer.
- Conclusion: Restate that advantages outweigh disadvantages.
Template 5: Double Question Essay
When given two questions, dedicate one body paragraph to each question.
- Introduction: Paraphrase and state you'll answer both.
- Body 1: Answer Question 1 fully.
- Body 2: Answer Question 2 fully.
- Conclusion: Summarize both answers.
Universal Rules for All Essay Types
✓ DO
- Start every body paragraph with a clear topic sentence
- Use linking words naturally (However, Furthermore, Consequently)
- Keep your introduction under 50 words
- Write 4-5 sentences per body paragraph
- Support every main idea with explanation + example
✗ DON'T
- Write one-sentence paragraphs
- Introduce completely new ideas in the conclusion
- Memorize entire essays (examiners will know!)
- Use informal language or contractions
- Copy the question word-for-word
Frequently Asked Questions
Read the question carefully. Look for key phrases like 'To what extent do you agree?' (Opinion), 'Discuss both views' (Discussion), or 'What are the causes and solutions?' (Problem/Solution).
Practice Makes Perfect
Try using one of these templates on a real IELTS question. Our AI grader checks your structure, Task Response, and coherence instantly.
Related Resources
Share this guide: