W06: Task 2: the 5 essay types

IELTS Task 2 questions can look very different, but most of them belong to five types. Each type asks for something specific. If you write an opinion essay when the question asks for a discussion, you lose marks in Task Response, even with perfect English. So the first skill in Task 2 is simple: know what type of question you're answering.

Why this matters

One of the most common reasons Bangladeshi students stay at band 6 is answering the wrong question. They use one memorised structure for every essay. This lesson helps you recognise each type quickly and choose the right structure.

Type 1: Opinion (agree or disagree)

Example: "Some people think all university students should study science subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

• What it wants: your clear opinion, and how strongly you hold it.
• Key phrases: Do you agree or disagree? To what extent do you agree?
• Lesson: W32

Type 2: Discussion (both views plus your opinion)

Example: "Some people believe children should learn at home. Others think school is better. Discuss both views and give your own opinion."

• What it wants: a fair explanation of both sides, and your view.
• Key phrases: Discuss both views. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
• Lesson: W33

Type 3: Advantages and disadvantages

Example: "More people are working from home. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?"

• What it wants: both sides, and if asked, which side is stronger.
• Key phrases: advantages and disadvantages, outweigh
• Lesson: W34

Type 4: Problem and solution (or cause and solution)

Example: "Traffic jams are a growing problem in many cities. What are the causes, and what solutions can you suggest?"

• What it wants: clear causes or problems, and practical solutions.
• Key phrases: What are the causes? What problems? What solutions? What measures?
• Lesson: W34

Type 5: Two-part or direct questions

Example: "Many young people today want to study abroad. Why is this? Is it a positive or negative development?"

• What it wants: a direct answer to each question, in order.
• Key phrases: two or more separate questions.
• Lesson: W35

A quick way to identify the type

Underline the instruction sentence at the end of the question. That's where the type is hidden. The topic sentence at the beginning tells you what to write about. The instruction tells you how.

Try it yourself

Which type is each question?

1. "Online shopping is replacing traditional shops. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?"
2. "Many people are moving from villages to cities. What problems does this cause, and how can they be solved?"
3. "Some say governments should spend more on public transport than on roads. To what extent do you agree?"
4. "Some think tourism helps local culture, others think it damages it. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Honest note

Some questions mix types. For example, a question might ask for both causes and your opinion. Answer every part. Lesson W12 shows how to make sure you never miss a part.

Your task today

Find ten Task 2 questions in your Cambridge books. Label each with its type.