IELTS Writing Task 2 - Essay Master Guide
Step 1: How to Identify the 5 Main Essay Types
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you must write an essay of at
least 250 words within 40 minutes. To score a Band 7.0
or higher, your first step is to correctly identify the essay
type. If you write the wrong structure, you will lose
marks.
● 1. Opinion Essays (Agree/Disagree): You are
given one statement and asked if you agree or
disagree with it.
● 2. Discussion Essays: You must discuss both
sides of the argument and then give your own clear
opinion.
● 3. Advantages & Disadvantages: You analyze the
positive and negative sides, stating which one is
stronger.
, ● 4. Problem & Solution: You must explain the
causes of a problem and provide practical solutions.
● 5. Double Question Essays: The prompt directly
asks you two separate questions that you must
answer.
💡 Pro Tip for Band 7+: Always spend the first 3
minutes analyzing the question keywords and planning
your paragraphs before you start .
Step 2: The Perfect 4-Paragraph Essay Structure
To score high in Coherence and Cohesion (structure),
you must organize your essay into 4 clear paragraphs.
This formula works for 90% of IELTS essay questions:
Paragraph 1: Introduction (30-40 words)
• Sentence 1: Paraphrase the question (rewrite it in your
own words).
• Sentence 2: Thesis statement (give your main opinion
or clear answer).
Step 1: How to Identify the 5 Main Essay Types
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you must write an essay of at
least 250 words within 40 minutes. To score a Band 7.0
or higher, your first step is to correctly identify the essay
type. If you write the wrong structure, you will lose
marks.
● 1. Opinion Essays (Agree/Disagree): You are
given one statement and asked if you agree or
disagree with it.
● 2. Discussion Essays: You must discuss both
sides of the argument and then give your own clear
opinion.
● 3. Advantages & Disadvantages: You analyze the
positive and negative sides, stating which one is
stronger.
, ● 4. Problem & Solution: You must explain the
causes of a problem and provide practical solutions.
● 5. Double Question Essays: The prompt directly
asks you two separate questions that you must
answer.
💡 Pro Tip for Band 7+: Always spend the first 3
minutes analyzing the question keywords and planning
your paragraphs before you start .
Step 2: The Perfect 4-Paragraph Essay Structure
To score high in Coherence and Cohesion (structure),
you must organize your essay into 4 clear paragraphs.
This formula works for 90% of IELTS essay questions:
Paragraph 1: Introduction (30-40 words)
• Sentence 1: Paraphrase the question (rewrite it in your
own words).
• Sentence 2: Thesis statement (give your main opinion
or clear answer).
