• IELTS Scores
  • Life Skills Test
  • Find a Test Centre
  • Alternatives to IELTS
  • General Training
  • Academic Word List
  • Topic Vocabulary
  • Collocation
  • Phrasal Verbs
  • Writing eBooks
  • Reading eBook
  • All eBooks & Courses
  • IELTS Writing Task 2
  • IELTS Essay

How to Write an IELTS Essay

In this introductory lesson you will find some guidance on how you should write an  IELTS essay .

There are then more lessons on the following pages for different types of essay and different questions, with lots of tips and strategies for achieving a high score. 

You can also watch a video of this lesson:

format of writing essay in ielts

Essay Types

It is important to learn about IELTS essays because there are different essay types, and these will require different ways to answer them.

However, as you will see from the guidance on this page, they can all follow the same basic structure.

These are some of the types of IELTS essays you can get in the test: 

  • Agree / disagree
  • Discuss two opinions
  • Advantages & disadvantages
  • Causes (reasons) & solutions
  • Causes (reasons) & effects
  • Problems & solutions

Not every essay will fit one of these patterns, but many do.

You may get some of these tasks mixed up. For example, you could be asked to give your opinion on an issue, and then discuss the advantages or disadvantages of it.

The golden rule is to  ALWAYS read the question very carefully  to see exactly what you are being asked to do.

The second lesson explains more about analysing essay questions. 

How do I Write an IELTS Essay?

In order to answer this, lets first look at a sample question:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In the last 20 years there have been significant developments in the field of information technology (IT), for example the World Wide Web and communication by email. However, these developments in IT are likely to have more negative effects than positive in the future.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

An IELTS essay is structured like any other essay; you just need to make it shorter. There are three key elements:

  • Introduction
  • Body Paragraphs

We will look at each of these in turn, using the essay question above as an example.

1) Introduction

You should keep your introduction for the IELTS essay short. Remember you only have 40 minutes to write the essay, and some of this time needs to be spent planning. Therefore, you need to be able to write your introduction fairly quickly so you can start writing your body paragraphs.

You should do just two things:

  • State the topic of the essay, using some basic facts (that you may be able to take from the question)
  • Say what you are going to write about

Here is an example introduction for the above essay question about IT:

The last two decades have seen enormous changes in the way people's lives are affected by IT, with many advances in this field. However, while these technological advances have brought many benefits to the world, I strongly believe that these developments in IT will result in more negative impacts than positive.

As you can see, the first sentence makes sure it refers to the topic (IT) and uses facts about IT taken from the question. Note that these are paraphrased - you must not copy from the rubric!

The second part then clearly sets out the what the essay will be about and confirms the writers opinion (some questions may not ask for your opinion, but this one does). The writer clearly agrees as he/she thinks there will be more negative impacts.

View this lesson for more advice on writing IELTS essay introductions.

2) Body Paragraphs

For an IELTS essay, you should have 2 or 3 body paragraphs - no more, and no less.

For your body paragraph, each paragraph should contain one controlling idea, and have sentences to support this.

Lets look at the first paragraph for the essay about IT. The essay is about the benefits and drawbacks of IT, so these will need to be discussed in separate paragraphs.

Here is the first body paragraph:

On the positive side, email has made communication, especially abroad, much simpler and faster. This has resulted in numerous benefits for commerce and business as there is no need to wait weeks for letters or take time sending faxes, which was the case in the past. Furthermore, the World Wide Web means that information on every conceivable subject is now available to us. For example, people can access news, medical advice, online education courses and much more via the internet.  These developments have made life far easier and more convenient for many.

The controlling idea in this first paragraph is the 'benefits of IT', and there are two supporting ideas, which are underlined. No drawbacks are discussed as the paragraph would then lose coherence.

Most of the essay will focus on the negative aspects of IT, as the writer says there are more negative effects in the introduction. So the next two paragraphs are about these.

The topic sentence in the next paragraph therefore tells us we are changing the focus to the negative points:

Nevertheless, the effects of this new technology have not all been beneficial. For example, many people feel that the widespread use of email is destroying traditional forms of communication such as letter writing, telephone and face-to-face conversation. This could result in a decline in people's basic ability to socialize and interact with each other on a day-to-day basis.

The final body paragraph gives the last negative effect:

In addition, the large size of the Web has meant that it is nearly impossible to regulate and control. This has led to many concerns regarding children accessing unsuitable websites and the spread of computer viruses. Unfortunately, this kind of problem might even get worse in the future at least until more regulated systems are set up.

3) Conclusion

The conclusion only needs to be one or two sentences, and you can do the following:

  • Re-state what the essay is about (re-write the last sentence of your introduction in different words)
  • Give some thoughts about the future

Here is an example:

In conclusion, developments in IT have brought many benefits, yet I believe that these are outweighed by the drawbacks. In the future these will need to be addressed if we are to avoid damaging impacts on individuals and society.

The Full IELTS Essay

The last two decades have seen enormous changes in the way people's lives are affected by IT, with many advances in this field. However, while these technological advances have brought many benefits to the world, I strongly believe that these developments in IT will result in more negative impacts than positive.

Nevertheless, the effects of this new technology have not all been beneficial. For example, many people feel that the widespread use of email is destroying traditional forms of communication such as letter writing, telephone and face-to-face conversation. This could result in a decline in people's basic ability to socialize and interact with each other on a day-to-day basis.

(290 Words)

The IELTS essay introduction talks in general about the increasing use of IT, thus introducing the topic well. The thesis then clearly sets out the writers opinion.

The following paragraph mentions the present benefits of these developments, but the opening sentence in the third paragraph is a qualifying statement (Nevertheless, not all the effects... ), so the writer can now focus on the negative elements.

The fourth paragraph provides two other negative examples (lack of regulation, viruses). Both paragraphs suggest that these problems will continue in the future.

The essay concludes with a clear opinion that agrees with the statement.

Overall, it is a well-balanced text that mentions the present situation ( ...this has made life.. .) but importantly, also refers to the future of IT (. ..likely to increase..., might get worse. ..).

Now you know the basics of writing an IELTS Essay, you can go on and look at further sample essays or if you prefer, check out the next lessons for Writing Task 2.

More Task 2 IELTS Lessons:

format of writing essay in ielts

Paragraph Writing for IELTS: Building strong arguments

This paragraph writing lesson provides tips on constructing the best paragraphs for your IELTS essay.

IELTS Music Essay: Understanding a Complex Question

An IELTS essay about music is used to show you how to answer a more complex IELTS essay question that does not have a clear 'task' given to you.

Transitional Phrases for Essays

Learn transitional phrases for essays to get a band 7 or higher in your IELTS writing for coherence and cohesion.

format of writing essay in ielts

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2

Generating ideas for IELTS essays for writing task 2 can be difficult but complex ideas are not expected.

How to use brainstorming and planning to generate essay ideas.

Brainstorming and planning is a key step in developing your IELTS essay. This lesson has tips on how to coming up with ideas and organising them.

How to Identify the Task in an IELTS Essay

Learn how to identify the task in an IELTS task 2 essay question. This is one of the most important steps in responding to an essay question.

Using Pronouns to Improve IELTS Essay Coherency

Find out how to use pronouns to improve your coherency for IELTS task 2 essays.

Using Substitution in IELTS to Improve Writing Coherency

You can use substitution in your IELTS essays in order to improve coherency and coherence.

format of writing essay in ielts

IELTS Task Response - 25% of your essay grade

The IELTS Task Response criteria in the scoring makes up 25% of your band score for your essay.

IELTS Problem Solution Essay Strategies and Tips

In IELTS problem solution essays you have to discuss a particular issue and present ideas to solve that problem.

How to Identify the Topic of an IELTS Essay Question

In IELTS you must identify the topic of your essay as this is a key to making sure your essay is on topic.

Can you use Personal Pronouns in Essays for IELTS?

Learn how to use personal pronouns in essays for IELTS correctly. Can you use "I", "we" and "you"?

Writing an IELTS Essay Introduction

Tips on how to write an introduction for an IELTS essay introduction in a quick and easy way.

The 3 Types of IELTS Opinion Essays in IELTS

IELTS opinion essays in IELTS can be placed into three types. This lesson explains the different types and how to analyse these essay questions.

Requirements for IELTS Band 7 in Writing

Getting to an IELTS Band 7 is a struggle for many candidates. This lesson explains exactly what you have to do to reach this band score.

IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Tips and Strategies

An advantage disadvantage essay is one type of essay that you may get in the test. This lesson shows how to write a pros cons essay.

Improving Writing Coherence for IELTS essays

25% of the writing grade is on how you organise your essay so this lesson shows you how to improve your writing coherence.

Writing an IELTS Essay Conclusion

The IELTS essay conclusion is the final part of your IELTS essay. This lesson guides you on how to write a conclusion quickly but effectively.

Thesis Statement Tips for IELTS Essays

Your thesis statement in an IELTS essay should be written quickly and concisely. Use these tips to do that.

Tips on How to Score IELTS Band 8 in Writing and Speaking

To score IELTS Band 8 you need to understand exactly what is in the IELTS Band Descriptors for an 8 for writing and speaking first.

Any comments or questions about this page or about IELTS? Post them here. Your email will not be published or shared.

Before you go...

Check out the ielts buddy band 7+ ebooks & courses.

format of writing essay in ielts

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  • Click on the HTML link code below.
  • Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Band 7+ eBooks

"I think these eBooks are FANTASTIC!!! I know that's not academic language, but it's the truth!"

Linda, from Italy, Scored Band 7.5

ielts buddy ebooks

IELTS Modules:

Other resources:.

  • All Lessons
  • Band Score Calculator
  • Writing Feedback
  • Speaking Feedback
  • Teacher Resources
  • Free Downloads
  • Recent Essay Exam Questions
  • Books for IELTS Prep
  • Useful Links

format of writing essay in ielts

Recent Articles

RSS

Key Phrases for IELTS Speaking: Fluency and Coherence

May 26, 24 06:52 AM

Useful Language for IELTS Graphs

May 16, 24 04:44 AM

Useful Language for IELTS Graphs

Taking a Gap Year

May 14, 24 03:00 PM

Important pages

IELTS Writing IELTS Speaking IELTS Listening   IELTS Reading All Lessons Vocabulary Academic Task 1 Academic Task 2 Practice Tests

Connect with us

format of writing essay in ielts

Copyright © 2022- IELTSbuddy All Rights Reserved

IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

IELTS Advantage

IELTS Advantage

IELTS Preparation Courses

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures

The four most common IELTS writing Task 2 questions are: Opinion, Advantages and Disadvantages, Problem and Solution Discussion

IELTS Task 2 Essay Structures

Knowing how to structure your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay is an essential skill that can make the difference between getting and not getting the band score you deserve. With that in mind, we have outlined the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 structures below.

format of writing essay in ielts

Nearly all of my Task 2 essays follow this basic structure: The sentences you put in each paragraph will depend on what type of question you get.

The five most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are:

  • Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Problem and Solution
  • Discussion (Discuss both views)
  • Two-part Question

Below I will outline examples and a structure approved by experienced IELTS teachers and examiners for each type of question. This will help you write a clear, coherent answer and hopefully boost your IELTS band score. I also include an example answer for each type of question so you can see the structure in a real essay.

Please note that these are general structures and may vary slightly depending on the question.

Please also note that no ‘one’ Task 2 essay structure will get you a high score. There are many types of structures that can get you a high score. These are just some I think are effective and easy to learn. 

Please visit the lessons below for more detailed guidance on each type of question. I have provided a link at the end of each section.

format of writing essay in ielts

Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree) 

Typical Question Words –

What is your opinion?

Do you agree or disagree?

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Direct question.

Example Question –

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory in high school programmes (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).

Essay Structure 

Introduction 

1- Paraphrase Question

2- Give your opinion and outline the main ideas.

Main Body Paragraph 1 

1- Topic Sentence

2- Explain Topic Sentence

Main Body Paragraph 2

Conclusion 

1- Summary of main points and opinion

Student Sample Answer

It is argued that volunteering should be made part of the school curriculum. This essay agrees with that suggestion completely because it help pupils develop soft skills and helps them gain much-needed work experience.

Education should not be limited to strictly academic pursuits, and those in education should also develop life skills, such as teamwork, empathy and self-discipline, and one of the best ways to hone these aptitudes is through community service. Serving those less fortunate than ourselves teaches us many lessons, including how to work with people from other backgrounds and the value of hard work, thus enabling us to hone these skills before becoming an adult. For example, many young people from wealthier countries take a gap year and help those less fortunate than themselves to increase their gratitude for what they have and improve their work ethic.

Many colleges and companies are also increasingly looking for this type of experience. Most school leavers have the same grades, and charitable work can help set you apart from other students when making college applications. For example, Cambridge and Oxford receive thousands of applications from straight-A students yearly and can only accept a small percentage of applicants. What you have done outside the classroom often differentiates you from everyone else and gets you that coveted spot.

In conclusion, teenagers should be made to partake in unpaid work as part of their schooling because it will help them learn things they wouldn’t ordinarily learn from their teachers, and it will also boost their chances of getting into third-level education.

For more detail on how to answer agree or disagree questions, please visit our opinion essay lesson . 

Need help writing essays like this? Check out our ESSAY CORRECTION SERVICE .

Advantages and Disadvantages Questions

Typical Question Words 

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Example Question

Technology is being used more and more in education.

Essay Structure

2- Outline Main Points

Main Body Paragraph 1

1- State Two Advantages

2- Expand/Explain First Advantage

3- Expand/Explain Second Advantage

1- State Two Disadvantages

2- Expand/Explain First Disadvantage

3- Expand/Explain Second Disadvantage

format of writing essay in ielts

1- Summary of Main Points

Student Sample Answer 

It is argued that technology plays an ever-increasing role in schools and universities. Increased access to information and student freedom are the main advantages, whereas dependency on technology and decreasing levels of face-to-face contact are the main disadvantages.

Access to more information and student autonomy are the principal advantages of increasing the use of electronic devices in education. With the internet, students can access all the information available about any topic, regardless of what books and other resources are available in the school. Furthermore, students can focus on whatever topic or subject they want and study it in depth. A prime example of this is the number of online university courses available to students, covering a myriad of subjects that, up until recently, were unavailable to most learners. This has resulted in more people studying third-level degrees than ever before at a pace and schedule that suits them.

The main disadvantages associated with the increasing use of technology in education are the dependency on this technology and the decrease in face-to-face interaction between students. With many students now using the internet as their primary source of information, they often struggle to use other academic resources to find what they’re looking for. As well as this, students spend more time looking at computer screens by themselves than interacting with each other, which is thought to lead to lower levels of emotional intelligence. For instance, the recent explosion in smartphone use has been at the expense of genuine human interaction. This results in soft skills, such as verbal communication and empathy, being affected.

In conclusion, the benefits technology brings to education, such as unrestricted access to information and student autonomy, must be weighed against the drawbacks, such as dependency on this technology and the negative effects on human interaction.

For more detail on how to answer advantage and disadvantage questions, please visit our  advantage and disadvantage lesson . 

Discuss Both Views Question (Discussion Essay)  

format of writing essay in ielts

Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.

Example Question 

Technology is being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.

Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.

1- Paraphrase Question and/or state both viewpoints.

2- Thesis Statement

3- Outline Sentence

1- State first viewpoint

2- Discuss first viewpoint

3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint

4- Example to support your view

1- State second viewpoint

2- Discuss second viewpoint

Sentence 1- Summary

Sentence 2- State which one is better or more important

There is an ever-increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the classroom. It is often argued that this is a positive development, whilst others disagree and think it will lead to adverse ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in technology is beneficial to students and teachers.

The Internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before. This has allowed learners to research and learn about any subject at the touch of a button. It is therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for education. Wikipedia is a prime example, where students can type in any keyword and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.

However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. Human interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Without these soft skills, many people find it difficult to become successful in work and their personal lives. Despite this, human interaction is still possible through the internet, and this essay disagrees that technology should be dismissed for this reason. For instance, Skype and Facebook allow people to interact in ways that were never before possible.

While the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap into limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomenon and not allow it to curb face-to-face interaction. However, as long as we carefully consider the importance of human interaction in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive.

For more detail on how to answer discussion questions please visit our  discussion essay lesson . 

Problem and Solution Questions

format of writing essay in ielts

Problem and solution.

Cause and solution.

Students are becoming more and more reliant on technology.

What are some of the problems associated with reliance on computers, and what are some of the possible solutions?

2- Outline Sentence

1- State Problems

2- Explain First Problem

3- Explain Second Problem

4- Example of Second Problem

1- State Solutions

2- Explain First Solution

3- Explain Second Solution

4- Example of Second Solution

Learners are becoming increasingly dependent on technology, such as the Internet and mobile devices. This essay believes the main problems associated with dependence on computers are the lack of original thought and copying original work from others and suggests critical thinking classes and writing analysis software as the most viable solutions.

The principal problems with over-reliance on technology are people being unable to think for themselves and plagiarism. With access to so much information, students often rely on other people’s opinions instead of forming their own. As well as this, they often use search engines to answer a question and copy the text from a website rather than thinking about the question. This practice is prohibited in schools and universities and stunts students’ intellectual development because they will never truly think for themselves, which is what university is supposed to be for. For example, many teachers complain that students copy web pages straight from Wikipedia word for word rather than giving a reasoned answer to their questions.

Solutions to these worrying problems are special classes to focus on critical thinking and teachers using anti-plagiarism software to detect copying. If teachers create situations where students have to infer meaning and express opinions based on a small amount of information, this will ensure that students have an opportunity to develop these skills. Also, if students know that their assignments are being checked for plagiarism, this will be enough to deter them from doing so. For instance, many universities already use this kind of software to scan coursework for plagiarism, and it could be extended to include all homework by learners in both secondary and tertiary education.

In conclusion, the main problems with the overuse of technology in education are the lack of original thought and plagiarism. These can be solved through special classes that teach students analytical skills and plagiarism detection software.

For more detail on how to answer problem and solution questions please visit our  problem and solution lesson . 

Two-Part Questions

format of writing essay in ielts

There will normally be a statement, and they will then ask you to answer separate questions.

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.

What factor contributes to job satisfaction?

How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

2- Outline Sentence (mention both questions)

1- Answer first question directly

2- Explain why

3- Further explain

1- Answer second question directly

As most adults spend most of their time at work, being content with your career is a crucial part of a person’s health and happiness. This essay will first suggest fair pay as a key element leading to job satisfaction, and it will then state that it is not very likely that everyone can be happy with their job.

The most important thing that satisfies someone at work is being compensated fairly. If those more senior than you respect you as a person and the job you are doing, then you feel like you are valued. A fair salary and benefits are important marks of respect, and if you feel you are being underpaid, you will either resent your bosses or look for another job. These two factors came top of a recent job satisfaction survey conducted by Monster.com, which found that 72% of people were pleased with their current role if their superiors regularly told them they were appreciated.

With regard to the question of happiness for all workers, I think this is and always will be highly unlikely. The vast majority of people fail to reach their goals and end up working in a post they don’t really care about in return for a salary. This money is just enough to pay their living expenses which often means they are trapped in a cycle of disenchantment. For example, The Times recently reported that 89% of office workers would leave their jobs if they did not need the money.

In conclusion, being satisfied with your trade or profession is an important part of one’s well-being, and respect from one’s colleagues and fair pay can improve your level of happiness; however, job satisfaction for all workers is an unrealistic prospect.

Can I get a band 8 or 9 following these structures? 

Nobody can give you a Task 2 IELTS structure that guarantees high scores. Your score is dependent on how good your grammar and vocabulary are and how well you answer the question. A good structure will help you answer the question to some extent and boost your score for coherence and cohesion, but you must use relevant ideas and use these ideas well to answer the question.

You can see how my student scored a Band 8.5 in IELTS Writing here:

format of writing essay in ielts

Next Steps 

We hope you found those IELTS Writing Task 2 structures useful. Looking for some more sample questions? Here are over 100 sample questions from past exam papers.

If you would personalised feedback and guidance until you get the score you need, you can join the Waiting List for my VIP Course here.

' src=

About Christopher Pell

My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.

I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.

Official blue and red logo of pteielts.com

IELTS Essay Format: Solving Writing Task 2 Easily

Essay writing question in Task 2 of the IELTS Writing test is considered to be one of the most difficult questions. This is due to a very strict evaluation of the test by examiners. Each and every aspect of grammar, punctuation, spelling, word choice, sentence structure, paragraph structure, presentation of arguments, and logical development of ideas are scrutinized.

In this lesson, we will focus on IELTS essay format based on various types of questions.

We get 40 minutes to write an essay which is at least 250 words long. Within this time constraint, it is extremely difficult to fulfil all the criteria for scoring high in the Writing test .

Look at the sample question below.

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.

Write at least 250 words.

house

IELTS Writing Task 2 Structure

The question appears inside a box in IELTS Writing Task 2.

It always begins with a statement to set the context of the question. Often a debatable topic is introduced in one or two sentences.

In the above example, an opinion is mentioned: Owning a home is better than renting one. Our answer should not deviate from this topic of home ownership.

Then, the next part of the prompt is the actual question. In the example we are discussing, your agreement or disagreement with the statement is the question. As this is your personal perspective on the issue, you can freely pick a side and present your opinion on it.

Below the box, you will see instructions on how to go about writing a response. As the requirement maintains, you have substantiate your opinion with justification and illustration . This means you have to write several paragraphs explaining your point of view and defending your assertions regarding the topic .

IELTS Essay Types

Basically, all essay questions in IELTS are argumentative essays. In other words, you have to analyze the topic given in the question, choose a position for or against the claim, and present evidences as well as examples to support or refute the claims.

Agree or disagree

One of the most common type of essay question in IELTS Writing Task 2 is an agree/disagree question .

Like the name suggests, you are asked to either support or oppose an arguable issue.

You can either completely agree, completely disagree, partially agree, or partially disagree with the assertion.

Such questions require candidates to write about only one aspect: agreement or disagreement.

Advantages and disadvantages

Some questions simply ask you to report on the merits and demerits of an action or a situation.

There are two parts to the question because both the pros and cons need to be explored in the essay.

Advantages vs disadvantages

Slightly different from the earlier type of question, here you should not only write about both benefits and drawbacks but also pick a side .

Although you have to write from both sides, you have to make one side stronger than the other.

You can write about more advantages and fewer disadvantages. Conversely, you can include more disadvantages and fewer advantages. Ultimately, one side has to outweigh (or present more ideas) than the other.

Discussion and opinion

This is a three-part question.

According to the question, two sets of people think in two different ways about a controversial issue. You have to present arguments to support both views. Then, you should also weigh in on the matter and express your personal views.

Problem and solution

There are certain questions in IELTS Writing Task 2 which ask you to elaborate on the cause of a situation, effect of the situation, the prevention of a problem, or solution to the problems caused by the situation .

Be careful about the wording of the question. Cause, effect, prevention, and solution are four different things. Only write about the parts which the essay question explicitly asks you.

Hybrid questions

At times, apart from the four main types of questions discussed above, you might get a question that combines the different question types .

For an example, the same question may ask you agree or disagree with a statement as well as provide reasons and solutions.

a girl browsing books

IELTS Writing Task 2 How many paragraphs to write?

Depending on the question, the IELTS essay format we will learn here has four or five paragraphs .

The first paragraph obviously is the Introduction paragraph, whereas the last is the Conclusion paragraph. The two or three paragraphs in the middle are where we present ideas and expand on them with reasons and examples.

  • Introduction
  • Argument 3 (for some questions only)

IELTS Essay Format for Agree or Disagree Question

Ielts essay format for advantages and disadvantages question, ielts essay format for advantages vs disadvantages question, ielts essay format for discussion and opinion question, ielts essay format for problem and solution question, ielts essay format for hybrid questions, ielts essay writing: how to get a high score.

Let us break down the scoring into separate parts.

Task response

Under this criteria, examiners evaluate whether you addressed all aspects of the question by logically developing ideas . You have to present a clear and relevant position and support them.

Over generalization and/or repetition of ideas may affect scores.

Moreover, writing about things not asked by the question or going off topic should be avoided .

Coherence and cohesion

Words, sentences, paragraphs, and ideas need to be linked together in an essay to form a wholesome response.

There should be a logical sequencing of information. This can be achieved by using cohesive devices and discourse markers .

Here is a list of some common cohesive devices you could use in your next test.

Adding information

Comparing and contrasting, lexical resource.

You need to learn a wide range of technical words which convey precise meaning for securing high marks in the IELTS Writing test.

Repetition of a limited number of words, using words in wrong contexts, and making frequent spelling errors will result in a lower score.

As a general rule of thumb, you should read newspapers, especially op-ed articles on everyday topics like society, technology, and environment, in order to equip yourself with academic and formal words to present arguments.

You may like:

  • What are the 500 most important English words?
  • Technical vocabulary quiz

ielts writing

Complex sentences

In grammar, complex sentences refer to a specific sentence structure and not just sentences which are difficult to understand.

Consider this sentence:

Agricultural methods have modernized vastly from the past.

This sentence has one subject ( Agricultural methods ) and one verb ( modernized ). Such sentences with just one verb are usually called  simple sentences .

Consider these two simple sentences:

Agricultural methods have modernized vastly from the past. There still are food shortages in some parts of the world.

There are multiple ways of combining two related simple sentences. One method is by using a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Look at the following sentence which combines the two sentences from earlier into one long sentence.

Agricultural methods have modernized vastly from the past , but there still are food shortages in some parts of the world.

When two simple sentences are joined using a conjunction, a  compound sentence  is formed.

But there is another way to combine simple sentences. Consider the next example:

Even though agricultural methods have modernized vastly from the past , there still are food shortages in some parts of the world.

This is a  complex sentence . In this example, the words “ Even though ” are used in the beginning in order to avoid having to use a conjunction. A comma separates the two parts of the sentences. The part before the comma states a fact and the part after the comma describes a situation in spite of the fact. Also notice that if we divide the sentence into two parts by putting a full-stop (or period) instead of the comma, we get this:

Even though agricultural methods have modernized vastly from the past. There still are food shortages in some parts of the world.

The first sentence is incomplete. It is dependent upon the second part so as to complete the meaning. Such clauses (phrases) are called  dependent clauses .

However, the second sentence is a complete sentence. It does not rely upon the first to give meaning. It can stand alone as a grammatically correct sentence. Such clauses are called  independent clauses .

Therefore, a  complex sentence  is a sentence with one  dependent clause  and one  independent clause . If both the clauses in the sentence are independent, then such a sentence would be a compound sentence. One part should be dependent and the other independent for a complex sentence.

Examples of complex sentences

Although buying a house is very expensive, we can save money due to not having to pay rent on a regular basis.

Since animals can provide us with many resources, they can be extremely useful.

Together with being fast and convenient, internet is an affordable source of knowledge and entertainment.

Besides facing difficulties in adjusting to the food and climate, migrants might also face discrimination from the native people.

If the government mandates labelling of nutritional facts in all food packaging, then people might be able to make better food choices.

To be able to pay for tuition fees, many college students do a part-time job.

On account of genetically-modified plants, crop yields have risen substantially.

As universities provide an environment for sharing ideas, they could be vital for personality growth.

Unless we do our own fact checking, we cannot rely on all the information found in media.

In all the examples above, the first part of the sentences before the comma are dependent clauses. They need the second part to realize their meaning.

Please note:  It is not necessary to always have dependent clause in the beginning of sentences and independent clause at the end. But in the examples above, this has been done to make the concept clearer by using the comma as a separator. A reversal of the order of the two clauses and removal of the comma still creates complex sentences. For an instance, We cannot rely on all the information found in media unless we do our own fact checking .

You have to practice creating such complex sentences because it might be very difficult to write in such sentences naturally. You can follow the sentence structures of the examples above. To get a good score in the Writing test, it is compulsory that you use complex sentences.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Structure: Sample essay

Next lesson:

A 3-step process for Powerful IELTS Essay Introduction Paragraph

Related posts, the government should control the amount of violence on television in order to decrease the violent crimes in society. to what extent do you agree or disagree, nowadays technology is increasingly being used to monitor what people are saying and doing (for example through cellphone tracing and security cameras). in many cases the people being monitored are unaware that this is happening. do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages, writing the perfect body paragraphs for ielts essay: an ielts task 2 tutorial.

guest

What is the format for the question , what is your opinion (it is not discussion essay )

Gaurav Thapa

The exact format for such essays depends on the topic, but it is usually similar to an “Agree or Disagree” essay type.

Osama Bin Laden

western-overseas.com/expertise-in/ielts-writing-task-2

Above website has described advantage as well as disadvantage for an agree or disagree type question… even in those answers which says completely agree… And pteielts says either agree and some more point to support answer or disagree and some more point to support that… so confusing

You can write essays in multiple ways and still get good score in the IELTS test. There is no one right way of writing an essay. However, the format that I have used here at pteielts.com aims to be the most straight-forward and easy to use.

Coming to the website that you have cited, for agree or disagree type essays, you could incorporate counterpoints in the essay. It is called a concession. Even if you completely agree with something, you could mention points from the opposite side to refute them. I have avoided that in my essay because I thought doing that would make it harder for test takers.

So, don’t be confused. Follow one method and stick to it. Nonetheless, sometimes you have to adapt your format according to the ideas you can generate while writing the essay.

Hatake

I think there is mistake in IELTS Essay Format for Advantages vs Disadvantages Question or maybe I’m wrong i don’t know

In such essay types, we have to compare the advantages and the disadvantages in order to find which side of the argument has more merit. For more clarification, please refer to this link: https://www.pteielts.com/do-the-advantages-outweigh-the-disadvantages/

Free IELTS lessons signup

home

  • Academic practice
  • General practice
  • Task 1 Academic
  • Task 1 General
  • Task 2 (essay)

Essay samples with tips and answers

Sample 1 ("Violence in media") Presenting opinion

Sample 2 ("Working students") Suggesting a solution

Sample 3 ("Death penalty") Pros & cons

Sample 4 ("Loss of bio-diversity") Cause/solution

Sample 5 ("Obesity") Causes and effects

Sample 6 ("Salary vs. job satisfaction") Agree/disagree

Sample 7 ("Sedentary lifestyle") Problem/solution

More IELTS Writing task 2 questions >

IELTS Writing task 2 - Essay

Here you can find all the essential information about IELTS Writing essay .

IELTS Writing task 2 (or IELTS essay ) is the same task for Academic and General IELTS . You will be presented with a specific topic and asked to write an 250-word essay about it. You should normally spend 40 minutes on IELTS Writing task 2.

On this page you will see :

IELTS Writing task 2 question sample

  • Types of IELTS essay questions
  • How to answer these questions
  • More IELTS Writing task 2 questions and answers

You can get a lot of different topics for your IELTS Writing task 2. You can be asked to give your opinion, to state solutions to some problem, to describe advantages and disadvantages of something and so on.

Here's an example of how your IELTS Writing task 2 may look like :

Immigration has a major impact on the society.

What are the main reasons of immigration? To what consequences can it lead?

Write at least 250 words.

You can find the band-9 answer here >

More IELTS Writing task 2 questions & topics >

format of writing essay in ielts

How to write IELTS Essay?

1) Determine your opinion on the topic

  • Giving your opinion
  • Agree/disagree
  • Suggesting a solution
  • Pros and cons

Depending on the topic, decide what is your opinion on it and why. Have a clear position, don't hesitate between two opinions! Then find examples you will use for this task. You should spend a few minutes on planning.

2) Write an answer using the following structure:

Note that this description is very general. To learn more specific answering strategies, look at the different question types .

3) Style your essay

Use various words and structures , linking devices and avoid repetition.

Use some words from academic word list .

Do not use informal style and avoid irrelevant information, you will receive less points for your work.

Also, don't forget to write at least 250 words, writing less will affect your mark negatively. You should aim at 260-280 words. You won’t get more points for a longer essay.

Other things that might affect your mark:

  • Fluency : if your handwriting is not illegible for the examiner and he/she can’t read it properly, you are likely to lose points.
  • Unoriginal answer : if you learnt a topic by heart and wrote it, you might get a low score for your essay. IELTS examiner assesses only your own thoughts and opinions.
  • Limited answer : if you only answer half of the question and don’t expand your opinion, you will not get more than a band score 5 for the task.
  • Information about IELTS Writing test
  • Top 10 IELTS Writing tips
  • Writing vocabulary

Welcome Guest!

  • IELTS Listening
  • IELTS Reading
  • IELTS Writing
  • IELTS Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 2

  • IELTS Speaking
  • IELTS Speaking Part 1
  • IELTS Speaking Part 2
  • IELTS Speaking Part 3
  • IELTS Practice Tests
  • IELTS Listening Practice Tests
  • IELTS Reading Practice Tests
  • IELTS Writing Practice Tests
  • IELTS Speaking Practice Tests
  • All Courses
  • IELTS Online Classes
  • OET Online Classes
  • PTE Online Classes
  • CELPIP Online Classes
  • Free Live Classes
  • Australia PR
  • Germany Job Seeker Visa
  • Austria Job Seeker Visa
  • Sweden Job Seeker Visa
  • Study Abroad
  • Student Testimonials
  • Our Trainers
  • IELTS Webinar
  • Immigration Webinar

ielts-material

Share on Whatsapp

Share on Email

Share on Linkedin

IELTS Writing Task 2

Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!

“Check out IELTS Writing Task 2 with this in-depth guide covering the essay format, question types, evaluation criteria, scoring, tips, and FAQs.“

The IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to demonstrate your ability to write an academic-style essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. This task is designed to assess key skills like presenting a clear position, developing an argument logically, and organizing ideas coherently.

To achieve a high score, you must understand the task format and question types, analyze prompts effectively, and structure your essay appropriately. This blog post will break down everything you need to know about mastering IELTS Writing Task 2.

Difference Between IELTS Writing Task 2 Academic Vs General

To understand the differences between Academic and General Training in IELTS Writing Task 2, here is a helpful comparison table:

Understanding the Evaluation Criteria

To understand how your Writing Task 2 essay will be scored by the examiner, it helps to be familiar with the assessment criteria:

Evaluation Criteria of IELTS Writing Task 2

Band Descriptors IELTS Writing Task 2

Ielts writing task 2 format.

Let's start with the basics. IELTS Writing Task 2 format starts with requiring you to write an academic-style essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. The task is designed to assess your ability to present a solution or opinion in a logical, structured way.

You'll have 40 minutes to complete Task 2, and you should aim to write at least 250 words. A good essay will contain 3-4 paragraphs: an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Stay focused on the question and don't go off-topic.

When planning your essay, be sure to leave enough time to brainstorm ideas, write a clear thesis statement, and review what you've written. Understanding the task format is your first step to success.

IELTS Essay Types For Writing Task 2

Let's examine the different IELTS essay types that may appear in Writing Task 2:

Opinion Essay

These prompts simply ask for your  opinion  on a topic without presenting two views.

Sample prompt:  "Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime. What is your opinion on this?

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay below:

  • Some People Believe that Nowadays We Have Too Many Choices- IELTS Writing Task 2
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay Topic: Prevention is better than cure
  • Universities Should Accept Equal Numbers of Male and Female Students in Every Subject – IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Doing an Enjoyable Activity with a Child Can Develop Better Skills and More Creativity Than Reading – IELTS
  • All Children Should be Made to Wear School Uniforms- IELTS Writing Task 2

Agree and Disagree Essay

These questions ask your opinion on a statement or proposal. You must decide whether you agree or disagree and support your view.

Sample prompt:   "Unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programs." To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree and Disagree Essay below:

  • It is more important to spend public money on promoting a healthy lifestyle – IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Foreign Visitors Should Pay More Than Local Visitors for Cultural and Historical Attractions – IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Some people believe that air travel should be restricted Sample Essay
  • When a Country Develops its Technology the Traditional Skills and Ways of Life Die Out – IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Reading stories from a book is better than watching TV Sample Essay

Discussion (Discuss Both Views)

These prompts present two perspectives on an issue and ask you to  discuss  and examine both sides.

Sample prompt:   "Some people think the manufacturers and shopping malls should sell fewer packaged products while others argue that people have the responsibility to buy products with less packaging. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion Essay below:

  • In Some Countries, a Few People Earn Extremely High Salaries – IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Some People Think that Children Should Start School Sooner- IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Some People Think that it is Better to Educate Girls and Boys in Separate Schools- IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Some Companies Sponsor Sport and Sports Stars as a Way to Advertise Themselves – IELTS Writing Task 2
  • University Students Should Study Whatever They Like Sample Essay

Problem/Solution Essay

These questions given in the  problem/solution  essay describe an issue and ask you to propose solutions.

Sample prompt:   "In many cities, public transport systems are inadequate and road congestion is increasing. What are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?"

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem/Solution Essay below:

  • Many Working People get little or no Exercise either During the Working Day- IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Doctors Recommend that Older People Exercise Regularly- IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Over Population Of Urban Areas Has Led To Numerous Problems – IELTS Writing Task 2
  • An Increase in Production of Consumer Goods Results in Damage to the Natural Environment- IELTS Writing Task
  • In the Developed World, Average Life Expectancy is Increasing- IELTS Writing Task 2

Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

These prompts ask you to analyze the  advantages and disadvantages  of an issue.

Sample prompt:  "Studying overseas has many benefits for students. However, there are also some disadvantages. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion."

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages/Disadvantages Essay below:

  • People now have the Freedom to Work and live Anywhere in the World- IELTS Writing Task 2
  • In Some Countries People Prefer to Rent a House than Buy One – IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Planners Tend to Arrange Shops, Schools, Offices and Homes in Specific Areas – IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Technology is Increasingly Being Used to Monitor What People Are Saying And Doing Sample Essays
  • In the Past, When Students Did a University Degree, They Tended to Study in Their Own Country – IELTS

Direct Question Essay

These prompts which are also known as  Direct Question  essays give you a statement along with a related question.

Sample prompt:   "A growing number of people are living alone in many major cities. What are the reasons for this? Why do they choose to live alone?

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Direct Question Essay below:

  • Is freedom of speech necessary in a free society? – IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Many People Like to Wear Fashionable Clothes – IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Consumers Are Faced With Increasing Numbers of Advertisements From Competing Companies – IELTS
  • There are Many Different Types of Music in The World Today – IELTS Writing Task 2
  • More and more people want to buy famous brands with clothes- IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 Structure For Answering Questions

The IELTS Writing Task 2 section tests a candidate's ability to write an essay responding to a prompt in a formal academic style. There are different types of essays that may be asked, each requiring a specific structure and approach. The main IELTS Writing Task 2 question types and their standard structure are summarized in the table below:

Tips For Task 2 Writing IELTS

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the two writing tasks and is one of the most challenging parts of the IELTS test. Most students also find it more difficult than Writing Task 1. Therefore, access to some quick tips for task 2 writing IELTS:

  • Understand the Task:  Test-takers should take the time to understand the essay question thoroughly. They need to identify the key components, the question type, and any specific instructions before outlining the key points that should be covered.
  • Plan Before You Write:  Before diving into the essay, candidates should spend a few minutes planning the response. A clear outline needs to include an introduction, the main points for each body paragraph, and the conclusion.
  • Follow a Structured Essay Format:  Every essay type has a specific structure. So, sticking to the traditional essay structure with a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a concluding summary enhances the readability of the essay.
  • Provide Supportive Examples:  Test-takers should support their arguments with concrete examples and evidence. This not only strengthens the expressed opinion but also showcases the ability to develop ideas.
  • Balance Complexity and Clarity:  Test-takers should aim for a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. This demonstrates their language proficiency and contributes to a more engaging essay.
  • Use Linking Words and Phrases:  Candidates should employ linking words and phrases to connect ideas within and between sentences. This improves the overall flow and coherence of the essay.
  • Practice Different Essay Types:  It is important to familiarize oneself with different types of essay questions, such as opinion essays, problem-solving essays, or discussion essays. Test-takers should practice addressing each type to be prepared for any variation in the actual test.
  • Revise and Proofread:  This is one of the most vital steps to improve writing skills and content. Test-takers need to allocate some time at the end to review and edit their essay. They should check for grammatical errors, clarity, and coherence and ensure that the essay effectively communicates their ideas.
  • Practice Regularly:  Write Regularly Under Time Constraints: Practice writing essays within the 40-minute. This helps improve your time management skills and ensures that you can effectively express your ideas within the given constraints.
  • Seek Feedback:  To understand the weak areas and improve them, test-takers need to share their practice essays with teachers, peers, or  online communities like the one created by IELTSMaterial . Constructive feedback helps identify areas for improvement and provides valuable insights.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Answers

Below is the list of IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Answers which you can refer to for the exam.

  • Topic: Family
  • Topic: Press, news on internet & newspapers
  • Topic: Families
  • Topic - Environment
  • Topic: Invention 
  • Topic: Aging Population
  • Topic: Art & Technology
  • Topic: Career
  • Topic: Dangerous Sports
  • Topic: Technology
  • Topic: Travel & Tourism
  • Topic: International Car-free Days & Sample Essay
  • Topic: Traffic
  • Topic: Transportation
  • Topic: TV or Radio
  • Topic: Communication Technology
  • Topic: Living in Campus
  • Topic: Crime
  • Collocations - Topic: The Environment
  • Useful Collocations - Topic: Government

Trending Essay Topics

  • Every year several languages die out
  • Some People Think That Parents Should Teach Children How to be Good Members of Society
  • Happiness is considered very important in life
  • In some countries the average weight of people is increasing
  • Young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school
  • Research Indicates That the Characteristics We are Born With Have Much More Influence On Our Personality

Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Sample Essays

Below is the list of Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with   Sample Essays :

  • Topic 01: Media
  • Topic 02: Successful Sports Professionals
  • Topic 03:Smoking
  • Topic 04: Children today play very violent games
  • Topic 05:The birth rate in most developed countries
  • Topic 06: Many families find it necessary for both parents go out to work
  • Topic 07: Women and men are commonly seen as having different strength and weaknesses
  • Topic 08: Increase in violent crime among youngsters
  • Topic 09: Good Job
  • Topic 10: Different medical traditions
  • Topic 11:Need to prepare for tests and examinations
  • Topic 12: Eating Fish
  • Topic 13:Concerned about the number of children who are overweight
  • Topic 14: Freedom of Speech
  • Topic: Architecture & History
  • Topic: Digital Communication
  • Topic: Economic Development
  • Topic: Education
  • Topic: Environment
  • Topic: Food & Transport
  • Topic: Government
  • Topic: Newspapers
  • Topic: Sports
  • Topic: Television & Children
  • Topic: Economic Growth

Frequently Asked Questions

How many paragraphs should my essay have?

What’s better - a longer or shorter essay?

Should I write in the first or third person?

How strict are they on word count?

Can I bring in outside knowledge on the topic?

What’s the best way to prepare for Task 2?

Should I write legibly?

What if I make mistakes or cross things out?

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

Recent articles.

Paying for Things Using Mobile Phone Apps – IELTS Writing Task 2

Kasturika Samanta

Modern Communications Mean That It’s No Longer Necessary to Write Letters – IELTS Writing Task 2

Raajdeep Saha

People May No Longer Be Able to Pay for Things Using Cash – IELTS Writing Task 2

Our Offices

Gurgaon city scape, gurgaon bptp.

Step 1 of 3

Great going .

Get a free session from trainer

Have you taken test before?

Please select any option

Get free eBook to excel in test

Please enter Email ID

Get support from an Band 9 trainer

Please enter phone number

Already Registered?

Select a date

Please select a date

Select a time (IST Time Zone)

Please select a time

Mark Your Calendar: Free Session with Expert on

Which exam are you preparing?

Great Going!

IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

' src=

  • Test Information FAQ
  • Band Scores
  • IELTS Candidate Success Tips
  • Computer IELTS: Pros & Cons
  • How to Prepare
  • Useful Links & Resources
  • Recommended Books
  • Writing Task 1
  • Writing Task 2
  • Speaking Part 1 Topics
  • Speaking Part 2 Topics
  • Speaking Part 3 Topics
  • 100 Essay Questions
  • On The Day Tips
  • Top Results
  • Advanced IELTS

IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips, Lessons & Models

Success in IELTS writing task 2 is based on using the right techniques. These free tips, model essays, lessons, videos and information will help develop the skills for writing task 2. This page will teach you how to maximise your IELTS writing task 2 score.

All lessons are on this page are for both GT and Academic writing task 2.

On this page, you will find for free:

  • Test Information for Writing Task 2
  • Practice essay questions
  • Essential tips for IELTS writing task 2
  • Free video lessons
  • Model essays
  • Practice lessons to improve your IELTS essay writing (paraphrasing, skills, ideas, spelling etc

Although some lessons are dated from years ago, all lessons and tips are 100% relevant to IELTS writing task 2 today. 

1. IELTS Writing Task 2 Test Information

Learn about your IELTS writing task 2 test.

  • IELTS recommend you spend no more than 40 mins on writing task 2. However, the time is yours to manage as you wish.
  • You should write  over 250 words. In the lessons below you will learn about word count and essay length.
  • Learn how your total writing score is calculated: Total Writing Score Calculations
  • Task Response (25%)
  • Coherence & Cohesion (25%)
  • Vocabulary (25%)
  • Grammar (25%)
  • For band score tips and details, see this page: IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Scores 
  • Academic writing task 2 is a formal essay. The common types of essays are: Opinion, Discussion, Advantage/Disadvantage, Direct Questions, Solutions. These categorisations will differ from teacher to teacher depending on how they like to teach. See below for 100 IELTS Essay Questions to practise at home.
  • GT writing task 2 is the same as Academic IELTS. The essay is written in the same way and the scoring is the same. The only difference is that GT essay questions are often easier and topics are simpler.
  • All words will be counted, even small or repeated words. See this page: How Words are Counted
  • COMPUTER DELIVERED IELTS: See the following link to read Pros and Cons of Computer Based IELTS : 
  • For more information about IELTS test rules and info, see this page: IELTS  Test FAQ

2. IELTS Practice Essay Questions

Practice essay questions to help you prepare ideas for topics in IELTS writing task 2. These questions have been written based on questions reported by IELTS students. They are not IELTS tests.

Over 100 IELTS Essay Questions

3. Essential IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips

The most important writing tips for a strong IELTS essay in writing task 2. Learn about the recommended essay length, how to plan your essay, when to give your opinion and how to write an introduction etc.

How many paragraphs for an IELTS essay? : Essay structure

Key Linking Words List : Academic Vocabulary

Types of IELTS Essays : Main Essay Types in Writing Task 2

Video:  How to write an introduction paragraph : Complete lesson

Essay Planning Tips : How to plan your IELTS essay

Common Essay Topics : 20 Most Common Essay Topics

Video:  Essay Length Advice : How long should your essay be?

Video:  Official Writing Answer Sheet Tips : Using the answer sheet

When to give your opinion : Opinion Essay Tips

Video  Using the last 5 minutes : Exam technique tips

Video: Paraphrasing Tips

Finding Ideas : Developing ideas for essay topics

4. More Video & Tips for Writing Task 2

  • Deleting Words in your Essay
  • Should I indent the first word of my paragraphs?
  • 10 sentences to avoid in your IELTS essay
  • Video:  How to add examples to your essay
  • Tips: Under Words Penalty
  • Do advantages outweigh disadvantages tips?
  • Video:   How to give your opinion
  • Can you use quotes, idioms or proverbs in your essay?
  • Handwriting: Using cursive writing or not
  • Essay Questions from 2016
  • Writing a Long Introduction: Good or Bad?
  • Video : Single-sex & Mixed Schools 
  • Video : Grammar – How to Add a Clause
  • Video : Grammar – Connecting Sentences
  • Video : Conclusion Linkers
  • Video : Discussion Essay Useful Language
  • Video : Using the Last 5 Minutes Tips
  • Video : Should Ideas be Interesting?
  • New Essay Topics for 2023

All Free IELTS Writing Task 2 Videos Lessons

5. Model Essays

Sample essays for IELTS writing task 2. These high score model essays will help you understand how to answer the essay questions and how to structure your writing.

  • Agree Disagree Opinion Essay: Health
  • Advantages & Disadvantages Essay: Language
  • Cause  Solution Essay: Crime & Punishment
  • Direct Questions Essay: Happiness
  • Opinion Essay: Social Media
  • Discussion Essay: Work
  • Direct Questions Essay: Family
  • Direct Questions Essay: Art
  • Positive or Negative Development: Social Media
  • 2 Model Essays about Economy & Money /Buildings
  • Model Essay & Question for Topic of Education
  • Two Question Essay: Technology

6. Practice Lessons for Writing Task 2

Develop your IELTS writing skills and get useful ideas for many essay questions. Lessons are in order of date and new lessons will be added over time.

  • New Essay Topics in 2023 (these are new topics only. You also need to prepare all common topics as well)
  • IELTS Essay Topics Prediction 2022
  • Grammar Test : Using “the” with countries and nationalities
  • Paraphrasing Practice 1
  • Paraphrasing Practice 2
  • Paraphrasing Practice 3
  • Essay Questions for 2017 – questions reported in the test this year.
  • Using Passive Voice for Giving Opinions
  • Essay Ideas: Employment Competition
  • Writing Skills: Paraphrasing Practice
  • Writing Skills: Improving Sentences (2)
  • Essay Ideas: The Importance of History
  • Essay Ideas: Housing & Trees 
  • Essay Ideas: International Aid
  • Essay Ideas: City Transport
  • Essay Ideas: Salaries
  • Essay Ideas: Function of Schools
  • Essay Ideas: Female Staff in Senior Positions
  • Writing Skills: Punctuation Practice
  • Writing Skills: Linking Word Practice
  • Essay Ideas: Littering in Cities
  • Listen and Write Dictation: Natural Disasters
  • Discussion Essay with Feedback: Music Topic
  • Writing Skills: Improving Sentences: Ebooks Topic
  • Essay Ideas: Banning Mobile Phones
  • Two Question Essay with Feedback: Judging Business Success
  • Essay Ideas: Tourism and Local Communities
  • Essay Ideas: Traffic & Pollution
  • Writing Skills: Improving a Thesis Statement
  • Writing Skills: Improving Sentences (1)
  • Essay Ideas: Handwriting Skills
  • Essay Ideas: Promoting to Children
  • Essay Ideas: Older or Younger Leaders
  • Writing Skills: Introduction Feedback
  • Writing Skill: Opinion Essay Introduction Feedback
  • Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Body Paragraphs
  • Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Introduction
  • Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Finding Main Points
  • Writing Skills: Thesis Statement
  • Essay Ideas: Public Services .

………………

Free Subscribe to Receive New Posts by Email

Type your email…

Advanced IELTS Lessons & E-books

format of writing essay in ielts

Click Below to Learn:

  • IELTS Test Information

Copyright Notice

Copyright © Elizabeth Ferguson, 2014 – 2024

All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

  • Click here:  Privacy Policy 
  • Click here: Disclaimer

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2024 · Prose on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

IMAGES

  1. Easy IELTS Writing Task 2 essay structures for any question

    format of writing essay in ielts

  2. 3 IELTS Essay Structures that strengthen your argument

    format of writing essay in ielts

  3. How To Write An Ielts Essay

    format of writing essay in ielts

  4. IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: The Complete Guide

    format of writing essay in ielts

  5. IELTS Essay Planning: 4 Step Approach

    format of writing essay in ielts

  6. ielts -writing -essay

    format of writing essay in ielts

VIDEO

  1. IELTS WRITING TASK 2 essay || Synonyms || Topic related Vocabulary & Collocations

  2. IELTS Writing

  3. Previous IELTS Writing Task Questions 2023 || November #ielts #shortsfeed #english #study

  4. IELTS Essay

  5. IELTS WRITING ESSAY

  6. IELTS writing essay tips and tricks| IELTS academic writing task 2| ILETS general writing task 2

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write an IELTS Essay: The key steps

    Write at least 250 words. An IELTS essay is structured like any other essay; you just need to make it shorter. There are three key elements: Introduction. Body Paragraphs. Conclusion. We will look at each of these in turn, using the essay question above as an example. 1) Introduction.

  2. IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures + Band 9 Essays

    The five most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are: Opinion (Agree or Disagree) Advantages and Disadvantages; Problem and Solution; Discussion (Discuss both views) Two-part Question; Below I will outline examples and a structure approved by experienced IELTS teachers and examiners for each type of question. This will help you write a clear ...

  3. Essay structure and writing an introduction

    Information about this section of IELTS. In Writing Task 2, test takers will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. They will be expected to write at least 250 words and are advised to spend 40 minutes on this task. The essay should be written in formal, academic English. Time.

  4. IELTS Essay Format: Solving Writing Task 2 Easily

    Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience. Write at least 250 words. Table of contents hide. 1 IELTS Writing Task 2 Structure. 2 IELTS Essay Types. 2.1 Agree or disagree. 2.2 Advantages and disadvantages. 2.3 Advantages vs disadvantages.

  5. How to write IELTS essay

    1) Determine your opinion on the topic. Usually, IELTS essay is one of the following types: Giving your opinion. Agree/disagree. Suggesting a solution. Pros and cons. Depending on the topic, decide what is your opinion on it and why. Have a clear position, don't hesitate between two opinions! Then find examples you will use for this task.

  6. IELTS Essays: Five Types of IELTS Essays

    There are 5 types of IELTS essays which can appear in IELTS writing task 2. These types of essays are for both GT and Academic writing task 2. Below you will find sample essay questions for each type of essay and links to model answers. Please note that IELTS teachers sometimes divide essays into different categories based on how they teach.

  7. IELTS Writing Task 2: Format, Differences, Types & Examples!

    Download Study Plan. “Check out IELTS Writing Task 2 with this in-depth guide covering the essay format, question types, evaluation criteria, scoring, tips, and FAQs.“ The IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to demonstrate your ability to write an academic-style essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem.

  8. IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips, Lessons & Models

    Free video lessons. Model essays. Practice lessons to improve your IELTS essay writing (paraphrasing, skills, ideas, spelling etc. Although some lessons are dated from years ago, all lessons and tips are 100% relevant to IELTS writing task 2 today. 1. IELTS Writing Task 2 Test Information. Learn about your IELTS writing task 2 test.