Almost every IELTS Writing Task 2 question is one of five types. Spotting the type in the first minute tells you exactly what the examiner wants you to cover, and that matters because Task Response (answering every part of the question) is a quarter of your Task 2 band.
1. Opinion (agree or disagree)
How to spot it: "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" or "Do you agree or disagree?"
What to do: state how much you agree in the introduction, and keep exactly that position to the end. Two body paragraphs with reasons for your view work well. If you partly agree, say so clearly and explain both sides of your position.
2. Discussion (discuss both views)
How to spot it: "Discuss both these views and give your own opinion."
What to do: one body paragraph for each view, and your own opinion in the introduction and conclusion. A very common mistake is forgetting your opinion, which caps Task Response. See our band 7 sample essay for this type.
3. Advantages and disadvantages
How to spot it: "What are the advantages and disadvantages…?" or "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?"
What to do: one paragraph for advantages, one for disadvantages. If the question asks whether one outweighs the other, you must give a clear judgement, which makes it an opinion question as well.
4. Problem and solution (or cause and solution)
How to spot it: "What problems does this cause, and what can be done?" or "What are the causes of this, and what solutions can you suggest?"
What to do: one paragraph for problems (or causes) and one for solutions. Match each solution to a problem you described, so your answer feels connected.
5. Two-part (direct) question
How to spot it: two separate questions, for example "Why do people do this? Is it a positive or negative development?"
What to do: answer both questions, one body paragraph each, in the same order as the question. Students often write a great answer to the first question and only a sentence on the second.
Quick reference
| Type | Your opinion needed? | Body paragraph 1 | Body paragraph 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opinion | Yes, throughout | Reason 1 for your view | Reason 2 (or the other side, if partly agree) |
| Discussion | Yes | View A | View B |
| Advantages/disadvantages | Only if it asks "outweigh" | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Problem/solution | No | Problems or causes | Solutions |
| Two-part | Only if a part asks for it | Answer to question 1 | Answer to question 2 |
The rule for every type: underline every part of the question before you plan. Each underlined part needs a clear answer in your essay. Missing one part is the most common reason students stay at band 6 for Task Response.
Check your essay against the question
The free BandIQ Band Check marks your essay against the question you paste in, so it will tell you if you missed part of the task, and gives a band for each of the four criteria.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 5 types of IELTS Task 2 essay?
Opinion (agree or disagree), discussion (both views), advantages and disadvantages, problem and solution (or causes and solutions), and two-part questions.
Do I always need to give my opinion in Task 2?
Only when the question asks for it, for example in opinion and discussion essays, or when it asks whether advantages outweigh disadvantages. Giving an opinion that is not asked for is not penalised if the question is fully answered.
Which Task 2 essay type is easiest?
There is no easy type. Most students lose marks by not answering every part of the question, so the safest approach is to identify the type and plan one paragraph for each part.