IELTS Writing Task 2 Question types

IELTS Writing Task 2: Question Types

In this article, you will learn about: (IELTS Writing Task 2: Question Types)

IELTS Writing task 2 overview

Most of the people think that IELTS writing task 2 is not easy as compared to other tests. But both IELTS Academic and IELTS General are easy tests if preparation is done in a systematic way. IELTS test is taken to judge your 4 main skills which are Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening. In IELTS Writing task 2, you are to write an essay which contains 250 or more than 250 words.

Keep in mind that IELTS writing task 2 is same for both Academic as well as General Tests.

What is IELTS Writing task 2?

IELTS Writing task 2 is the second and most important in IELTS test. In IELTS Writing task 2, you are to present arguments & problems and your point of view.

Remember, your essay should be in formal writing and should contain more than 250 words. You are to give 40 minutes to complete this task 2. But, according to experts’ opinion, you should spare 5 to 10 minutes for proof reading which can increase the level of proficiency in your writing.

IELTS writing task 2: question types

There are 5 question types which are asked in IELTS Writing task 2. These are:

  • Both sided Questions (Discussion)
  • Agree or Disagree
  • Advantages & Disadvantages
  • Problem & Solution
  • Discuss & Both view

IELTS Writing task 2: tips and strategies

  • In writing task 2, to write an essay 250 words are enough. You can extend to 250, but it should not exceed 300 words.
  • For writing task 2 essay, you are to give 40 minutes.
  • Remember, time management is the key to your success. It is essential to write and proof read your essay in 40 minutes by using time management techniques.
  • Make introduction of essay well planned and well structured. Introduction plays a crucial role to impress your examiner.
  • By making strong vocabulary, you can get high bands. Don’t use common words. 
  • Be careful in reading your question. By understanding the question, you are able to give answer accurately and coherently.
  • The format and structure of the essay must be formal. 
  • You need to avoid minor mistakes in making sentence structures and connectors.
  • Don’t memorize your answers.
  • How to improve writing in IELTS task 2 is very helpful article to improve your task 2

Types of essays in IELTS writing task 2

There are five types of essays in IELTS Writing task 2:

Types of EssaysDiscussion
IELTS Opinion EssayIn this type of essay, you represent someone‘s opinion and also tell you agree or disagree about the given topic. Some experts say it is argumentative essay.
IELTS Discussion essayKeep in mind, you need to talk about given statement of the discussion essay.  It is crucial to present both sides during interview. In discussion essay, you discuss about particular topic which is chosen by your examiner.
  IELTS Advantages & DisadvantagesThis is the most important type of essay in the IELTS Writing task 2. This essay demands you to give your opinion or views the advantages and disadvantages of a particular thing.
  IELTS Problem Solution EssayYou are to tell about some big issues which can attach your society and environment. You have to write all the particular information about the problem and their solutions.
Direct Question EssayIn direction question essay, it is essential to answer the examiner’s question.

Structure of essay in writing task 2

Before writing an essay, you should divide your essay in 4 to 5 paragraphs. To get high scores, introduction should be well designed and must contain patent information. You should plan your essay by introduction, supporting paragraphs and conclusion in a brilliant way.

Remember, your essay and its structure, vocabulary and sentence making must be accurate with the grammar point of view. A good conclusion gives your interviewer good impression and bright summary.  

Following table will help you to understand the structure of task 2:

IntroductionBody paragraphsConclusion
To Paraphrase essay question, give your opinion and answer the question directly is   important in the introduction. Good introduction tells the examiner that you understood the question and make good impression on him.In body paragraphs, you explain topic sentence with examples. Body paragraphs demand you more detail about the topic, explanation which must be relevant and accurate for the writing task 2.To Summarize your essay, find main points & key reasons and opinion. Conclusion is the most important thing and plays a crucial role in the end. Final thoughts are included in the essay as conclusion.

IS IELTS Writing task 2 same or different from task 1?

In IELTS Writing task 2, you are to answer and follow one criterion, which is based on lexical resource, grammar range, coherence and cohesion and task response.

Remember, IELTS Writing task 1 and 2 are not same. They are quite different from each other. This table will be fruitful for you to understand the basic differences between the two.

IELTS Writing task 1IELTS Writing task 2
IELTS Writing task 1 is different for both types of candidate (IELTS Academic and IELTS General). In Writing task 1, you have to write 150 words or more than that. For this purpose, you should give 20 minutes.IELTS Writing task 2 is same for both types of candidates (IELT Academic & IELTS General). In Writing task 2, you write an essay of 250 words. For IELTS Writing task 2, you should spare 40 minutes. But, keep in mind that for proofreading of both types, you should spare 5 to 10 minutes.

Can I write more than 250 words in writing task 2?

Yes, you can write more words. But, you must write at least 250 words in IELTS Writing task 2. Common Topics for IELTS Writing task 2

IELTS Writing task 2 is not different for both types of candidate. So, some common topics are included in IELTS Writing task 2. These are:

  • Education
  • Environment
  • Sociology
  • Health
  • Government Spending
  • Technology
  • Strategies

Frequently asked questions about IELTS Writing task 2 on the following sub topics are:

  1. Issues of censorship
  2. Creativity
  3. Art and society
  4. Treatment of art in school
  1. Leadership and management
  2. Business and technology
  3. Small, large, and international businesses
  4. Consumerism and materialism
  5. Knowledge and skills for business

IELTS experts recommend you not to spend more than 40 minutes on the writing task. However, the time is yours; manage it well by using time management skills.

  1. Prison 
  2. Role of police
  3. The distinction of gender in law 
  4. Teenage crime
  5. Cause and nature of crimes
  6. Punishment and reforms
  1. Climate change
  2. Ecological conservation
  3. Treatment of animals
  4. Concept of zoos
  5. Role of government vs individual
  1. Food and neutrino
  1. Imported food items
  2. Junk food and its consequence
  3. Diet trends
  4. The traditional concept of food and cooking
  1. Role of exercise
  2. Healthcare facilities
  3. Dealing with epidemics
  4. Health and education
  5. Healthcare in backward countries
  1. Censorship and expression
  2. Children’s programs 
  3. Media and reporting technology
  4. Quality of journalism
  5. Advertising
  1. Financial literacy
  2. Tax
  3. Money and success
  1. Lifestyle
  2. Poverty and homelessness
  3. Crime rates 
  4. Population control
  5. Public services
  1. Digital crimes
  2. Children and technology
  3. Privacy and information
  4. Social media and digital well-being

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