Do you have trouble identifying which type of Task 2 essay you should write?
If so, you’re not alone!
The way an IELTS Writing Task 2 question is worded will determine which type of essay is required.
Today’s question
I have a question. I found it difficult to decide what type of essay I should write about the following:
Immigration has a major impact on society.
What are the main reasons of immigration? To what consequences can it lead?
Should I only write a problem essay? With no solution?
It is vital to think about this ahead of time.
You don’t want to waste any time on test day deciding which type of essay you need to write.
Remember that problem/solution essays won’t always have the words “problem” and “solution.”
This will work like a problem/solution essay, but you’ll answer each question in a body paragraph.
Body paragraph 1 will discuss the reasons, and body paragraph 2 will cover the consequences.
With problem/solution and mixed questions, there are always two questions, so you will answer each in its own paragraph.
This Task 2 topic is asking for causes and effects.
Similarly, many essays ask for advantages and disadvantages, but don’t necessarily have those words.
For example, the topic might ask for downsides and benefits.
Today, we’ll share 5 recent Task 2 questions and the type of essay you should write.
Question #1: Parenting
Some feel that the best way to ensure a happy home life for children is for parents to take a parenting course once a year. Others disagree.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
For this essay, you will write an Argument essay because you must discuss both sides of the issue.
The best approach is to address the side you don’t agree with in the first body paragraph.
Then, you’ll address the side you agree with in the second body paragraph.
If a question asks merely, “What is your opinion?” you can decide to write an Opinion essay or an Argument essay.
Question #2: The media
Many people feel that media coverage has become increasingly biased today.
Why is this? What can be done to fix this problem?
This will be written as a problem/solution essay.
You will discuss the causes of media bias in the first body paragraph.
In the second, you’ll cover a possible solution.
Don’t forget to include your opinion!
A common mistake students make is to forget to include their opinion in these types of essays that don’t specifically say, “What is your opinion?”
Don’t forget that the instructions for Task 2 instruct you to share your opinion.
It is required to score 4+ on Task Response.
If you don’t present your personal position, you will receive band 3 or lower for this score!
Question #3: Credit
Nowadays, it is easier for young people to have a credit card compared to the past.
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
This will be written as an Advantages/Disadvantages essay.
You will discuss the advantages of building credit in the first body paragraph.
In the second, you’ll address the disadvantages.
Be sure to share your opinion even though the task question doesn’t mention it.
Your opinion will be whether you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or not.
Notice the plural in this question!
You must share two advantages and two disadvantages to satisfy the plural in this question.
Be sure to support both!
Each idea in your essay must be fully supported by details and examples.
Question #4: Big business
Huge companies like Walmart and Amazon are very popular, but they have put many small, local, or family-run companies out of business.
Why are companies like Amazon so popular?
How can we create balance between big companies and small businesses?
This will be written as a problem/solution essay.
You will discuss the reasons large companies are popular in the first body paragraph.
In the second, you’ll cover how balance can be created.
When a Task 2 topic has two questions like this, the best strategy is to answer each question directly in its own body paragraph.
Don’t forget to include your opinion!
Question #5: Financial discussions
In numerous nations, there is a growing trend for individuals to frequently discuss financial matters, such as their earnings or expenditures, in everyday conversation.
What are the reasons behind this phenomenon?
Is it advantageous or detrimental?
This is what’s called a Mixed essay.
Many essays on the IELTS exam are now a combination of two essay types.
For example, this essay is a mix of problems and advantages or disadvantages.
The best strategy is to answer each question in its own body paragraph.
Causes, or “reasons behind” this trend, will be covered in body paragraph 1.
You will present advantages or disadvantages in the second body paragraph, depending on your opinion.
Takeaway
The wording of an IELTS Writing Task 2 question will determine which type of essay you need to write.
You don’t want to waste any time on test day deciding which type of essay you need to write.
Practice identifying which type of essay you will write by reading topics and determining what is required.
Make sure you know which type of essay you’d write, so you immediately know after reading your Task 2 topic.
