Types of essay in IELTS writing task 2

In this lesson of IELTS writing task 2 online course, you will know the different Types of essay in IELTS writing task 2.

The structure of an IELTS essay does not change, no matter what the question is. But the types of essay in IELTS writing task 2 depends on how you build your introduction and how you divide the information into paragraphs.

Opinion essay

Opinion essay is about expressing your point of view. You can fully agree with a certain statement, partially or express complete disagreement.

Method 1 . Candidate Strongly Agrees or Strongly Disagrees

In this case, each argument in support of your point of view should be devoted to a paragraph. In this type of essay, you indicate your opinion in the introduction and conclusion.

Structure of opinion essay 1:

Method 2 . Applicant partially agrees or partially disagrees

Choosing a balanced approach, you should not only describe the problem from two sides (one paragraph – points for, and the second – points against), but also indicate which position is closer to you. In this case, it is advisable to start with an idea that is less close to you, and devote the second paragraph to the one that you adhere to. You must indicate your position in three places: in the introduction, in the conclusion, and in the topic sentence of the second paragraph.

Structure of opinion essay 2:

Opinion Essay sample

In the introduction, the author expresses his opinion, starting with the words in my opinion. In the first paragraph, he indicates the position that is less close to him, and in the second, the one to which he is more inclined. 

At the same time, he gives consistent and convincing arguments in support of his opinion with the help of introductory constructions on the one hand, on the other hand. 

In the conclusion, the author uses the introductory phrase in conclusion and summarizes his opinion with the phrase I am still convinced that.

Discussion essay

In this type of IELTS essay, you are given a topic to argue for and against. Own opinion should be indicated only if it is mentioned in the task. 

If it is required, then the structure of the work will coincide with the balanced approach (method 2) opinion essay.

Structure of the discussion essay:

Discussion essay sample

The author expresses his opinion using the phrases from my perspective, it is true that; in conclusion, although … I think. He introduces arguments for and against with the phrases on the one hand, the reasons why people enjoy; on the other hand, I believe.

The main difference between opinion essay and discussion essay: in the first case, you describe your point of view, and in the second, you agree or refute someone else’s. If in an opinion essay you can give examples from your life, then in a discussion essay you reasonably explain why some people hold certain views, while others hold the opposite.

Consider the difference using examples of parts from paragraphs:

Advantage and disadvantage essay

At its core, an advantage and disadvantage essay is the same as a discussion essay, only you need to describe the pros and cons of an idea or some kind of phenomenon. You list the pros in one paragraph and the cons in the other, the order doesn’t matter.

Advantage and disadvantage essay structure:

Sample advantages and disadvantages essay

The words benefits, advantageous and to benefit indicate the benefits of a year’s break in training, while drawbacks, an opposite angle, to lose and to demotivate indicate the disadvantages of this phenomenon. At the end, the author draws a conclusion using the phrase despite some benefits.

Useful words and expressions:

Cause and effect or solution essay

In this type of essay, you need to indicate the causes and consequences of a certain problem, and sometimes suggest ways to solve it.

Structure:

Sample cause and effect or solution essay

Listing the reasons, the author uses the following expressions: main reasons, the causes of this phenomenon are varied, the origins of the problem mainly come from. To enumerate the consequences, he uses the expressions a good or bad effect, to have an influence, severe influences, is adversely affecting and the effects can be seen as negative.

Useful words:

Direct question essay

In an essay with directly posed questions, it is required to answer each of them in a separate paragraph, giving 2 arguments each.

Structure:

Sample direct question essay

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