Structure Planning - IELTS - Writing - Task 2

1. Discussion Essay

1.Introduction: paraphrase the question, state both points of view, make a thesis
statement and outline your sentence. (4 sentences)

2.Main Body paragraph 1: state the first viewpoint, discuss it, state whether you agree
or disagree and give an example to support your view. (4 sentences)

3.Main Body paragraph 2: state the second viewpoint, discuss it, state whether you
agree or disagree and give an example to support your view. (4 sentences)

4.Conclusion: summarize, and state which viewpoint is better or more important. (1-2
sentences)
For more information, go to: https://www.ieltsadvantage.com/2015/03/18/writing-task-2-discussion-essay-lesson/

Suggestions of discussion essays to practise:

1.A growing number of people feel that animals should not be exploited
by people and that they should have the same rights as humans, while
others argue that humans must employ animals to satisfy their various
needs, including uses for food and research.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

2. Bloodsports have become a hot topic for debate in recent years. As

society develops it is increasingly seen as an uncivilized activity and
cruel to the helpless animals that are killed. All blood sports should be
banned.
Discuss the main arguments for this statement and give your own
opinion.

3.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.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
 2. Opinion Essay
Paragraph 1- Introduction

Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question

Sentence 2- Thesis Statement*

Sentence 3- Outline Statement

Paragraph 2- Supporting Paragraph 1

Sentence 1- Topic Sentence

Sentence 2/3- Explain Topic Sentence

Sentence 3/4- Example

Paragraph 3- Supporting Paragraph 2

Sentence 1- Topic Sentence

Sentence 2/3- Explain Topic Sentence

Sentence 3/4- Example

Paragraph 4- Conclusion

Sentence 1- Summary and reiteration of your opinion.

For more information, go to: https://www.ieltsadvantage.com/2015/03/02/ielts-writing-task-2-agree-disagree-lesson/

*What is a thesis statement? ”A thesis is an idea put forward for consideration, especially one to be discussed or analyzed.”
A thesis statement is the most important sentence in your IELTS writing task 2 answer. It is contained in the introduction
and each introduction should have one; along with a paraphrase of the question and an outline statement.
A thesis statement is your main idea. It’s “the way you feel about the whole issue in one sentence”. It tells the examiner that
you have understood the question and it will lead to a clearer, more coherent essay. Source:
https://www.ieltsadvantage.com/2015/04/01/ielts-thesis-statement/

Suggestion of an opinion essay task to practise:

1. In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health
problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is, therefore, necessary for
governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food. Do you agree or
disagree?
 3. Advantages and Disadvantages essay -a Advantages and Disadvantages essay -b

1.Introduction 1.Introduction

Sentence 1- Paraphrase question Sentence 1- Paraphrase question

Sentence 2- Outline sentence Sentence 2- Thesis statement (state which one outweighs the other)

Sentence 3- Outline sentence

2.Supporting Paragraph 1 (Advantages) 2.Main Body Paragraph 1 (Stronger Side)

Sentence 3- Topic sentence (2 Advantages) Sentence 4- Topic Sentence

Sentence 4- Explain first advantage Sentence 5- Explain why it is strong

Sentence 5- Explain second advantage Sentence 6- Example

Sentence 6- Example of second advantage Sentence 7- Topic Sentence

Sentence 8- Explain why it is strong

Sentence 9- Example

3.Supporting Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages) 3.Main Body Paragraph 2 (Weaker Side)

Sentence 7- Topic sentence (2 Disadvantages) Sentence 10- Topic Sentence

Sentence 8- Explain first disadvantage Sentence 11- Explain why it is not strong

Sentence 9- Explain second disadvantage Sentence 12- Example

Sentence 10- Example of second disadvantage

4.Conclusion 4.Conclusion

Sentence 11- Summary of main points Sentence 13- Summary of main points and restate position.
For more information on advantages and disadvantages essay, go to:
https://www.ieltsadvantage.com/2015/05/24/ielts-advantages-and-disadvantages-lesson/

4. Problem and Solution essay

Paragraph 1- Introduction 1- Paraphrase question

2- Outline sentence

Paragraph 2- Problems 3- State problems

4- Explain first problem

5- Explain second problem

6- Example of second problem

Paragraph 3- Solutions 7- State solutions

8- Explain solution to first problem

9- Explain solution to second problem

10- Example of solution to second problem

Paragraph 4- Conclusion 11- Summary of main points in paragraphs 2 and 3

For more information, go to: https://www.ieltsadvantage.com/2015/05/08/ielts-problem-and-solution/

Suggestions of problem-solution essays to practise:

1. Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems. Identify one or two
serious ones and suggest ways that governments and individuals can tackle these
problems.
2. Nowadays many people have access to computers on a wide basis and a large number
of children play computer games. What are the negative impacts of playing
computer games and what can be done to minimize the bad effects?
3. The internet has transformed the way information is shared and consumed, but it
has also created problems that did not exist before.What are the most serious
problems associated with the internet and what solutions can you suggest?
 5. Double-questions essay

1. Introduction 1. Paraphrase the statement sentence.

2. Outline both questions.

1 - Answer the first question.

2. Answer 1st 2- Explain why.
question
3- Further explanation.
4- Give examples to support.

3. Answer 2nd 1 - Answer the first question.

question
2- Explain why.
3- Further explanation .
4- Give examples to support.

4. Conclusion 1. Summarize the answers for both questions.

For further information, go to: https://ted-ielts.com/ielts-writing-task-2-two-part-questions/

Suggestions of double-questions essay to practise:

1. In education and employment, some people work harder than

others. Why do some people work harder? Is it always a good
thing to work hard?
2. Happiness is often considered difficult to define. Why is this?
What factors determine happiness?
3. Success is often measured by wealth and material possessions. Do
you think wealth is the best measure of success? What makes a
successful person?
 6. Cause and solution essay

1.Introduction 1. Paraphrase the question

2. Tell what you are going to
describe in your essay.

2.Body paragraph 1 – causes 3. State a main cause

4. Explain/give examples
5. State another cause
6. Explain/give examples
7. Restate (short summary) -
optional

3.Body paragraph 2 – solutions 8. Present the solutions (1-2)

9. Further explain/give examples

4.Conclusion 10. Restate the causes of the

problems
11. Restate the solutions.
For more information, go to: https://ielts-up.com/writing/causes-solutions-essay.html

Suggestions of cause-solution essays to practise: