IELTS TASK 2

1. Agree or Disagree Essays

Agree or disagree question types are among the most common on the IELTS writing paper.

In this post, we will look at:

1. Structure
2. Deciding Opinion
3. Idea Generation
4. Writing an Effective Introduction
5. Writing Supporting Paragraphs
6. Writing a Conclusion

Structure
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.

Deciding Opinion
In this essay, IELTS examiners want you to give a clear opinion, so you must decide when you read the
question. You will also need to do this to write an effective thesis statement.

Q: In some countries, many people suffer from health problems due to eating too much fast food. It is,
therefore, necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food.

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Do you agree or disagree?

With this type of essay, we have two choices:

1. We agree with the statement or;

2. We disagree with the statement.

Therefore, for this agree or disagree essay, you can say either:

1. This essay agrees that governments should tax fast food or;
2. This essay disagrees that governments should tax fast food

Idea Generation
Here are some:

 Cigarettes and alcohol are taxed in the same way

 The money raised could be used to treat people with health problems
 Fast food companies should be punished for selling unhealthy food to people
 Making the food more expensive would stop people from eating it
 The money raised could be used to educate people about healthy eating

Introduction
Use the following structure:

Paragraph 1- Introduction

Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question

Sentence 2- Thesis Statement

Sentence 3- Outline Statement.

To paraphrase the question, we restate it with a different meaning using synonyms or reorder the
question. Here is the question again:

In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems due to eating too
much fast food. It is, therefore, necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food.

Paraphrased: It is argued that governments should levy a tariff on junk food because the health risks
associated with consuming this kind of food are rising.

Sentence 2- Thesis Statement

This is our opinion in one sentence. This essay will agree with the above statement and will, therefore,
look like this:” This essay agrees that a higher rate of tax should be paid by fast-food companies.”

Sentence 3- Outline Statement

This sentence outlines what you will write about in the main body paragraphs.

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Firstly, alcohol and tobacco companies already pay higher taxes; secondly, higher taxes could raise
prices and lower consumption.

So our full introduction will look like this:

It is argued that governments should levy a tariff on junk food because the number of health risks
associated with consuming this kind of food is on the rise. This essay agrees that a higher rate of tax
should be paid by fast-food companies. Firstly, alcohol and tobacco companies already pay higher taxes;
secondly, higher taxes could raise prices and lower consumption.

Supporting Paragraph 1
This paragraph should include:

1. Topic Sentence
2. Explanation
3. Example

A topic sentence tells the examiner about the rest of the paragraph. In other words, it is a summary of
your first idea.

1. Topic Sentence

Higher excise on liqueur and cigarettes has proven to curb the harm caused by these substances.

2. Explanation

This revenue has been used to treat health problems associated with these products and has proven
useful in advertising campaigns warning people about the dangers of alcohol and tobacco abuse. Tax
from fast food could be used in the same way.

3. Example

We should now think of an example to support our point. Think about any recent news stories, studies
or adverts. If you can’t think of one, make one up. The examiner won’t check if it is real or not.

The United Kingdom is a prime example, where money from smokers is used to treat lung cancer and
heart disease while at the same time, pumped into health campaigns in schools to warn children about
the dangers of smoking.

The full paragraph should look like this:

Higher excise on liqueur and cigarettes has proven to curb the harm caused by these substances. This
revenue has been used to treat health problems associated with these products and has proven useful in
advertising campaigns warning people about the dangers of alcohol and tobacco abuse. Tax from fast
food could be used in the same way. The United Kingdom is a prime example, where money from
smokers is used to treat lung cancer and heart disease.

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Supporting Paragraph 2
We now repeat the same formula with our second supporting point- higher taxes will increase prices
and reduce consumption.

Our topic sentence: Increasing taxes would raise prices and lower consumption.

Explaining this further: Fast food companies would pass on these taxes to consumers in the form of
higher prices, leading to people not being able to afford junk food because it is too expensive. Junk food
would soon become a luxury item, and it would only be consumed occasionally, which would be less
harmful to the general public’s health.

We now support our point with an example: For instance, the cost of organic food has proven
prohibitively expensive for most people, and that is why only a small percentage of the population buys
it regularly.

The full paragraph would look like this:

Increasing taxes would raise prices and lower consumption. Fast food companies would pass on these
taxes to consumers in the form of higher prices, leading to people not being able to afford junk food
because it is too expensive. Junk food would soon become a luxury item, and it would only be consumed
occasionally, which would be less harmful to the general public’s health. For instance, the cost of
organic food has proven prohibitively expensive for most people, and that is why only a small
percentage of the population buys it regularly.

Four sentences.

Conclusion
As stated before, a good conclusion for agree or disagree essays should include:

Sentence 1- Summary of main points

Sentence 2- Your opinion

Don’t write any new ideas in this paragraph.

A good conclusion should restate your thesis statement and your main supporting points.

In conclusion, junk food should be taxed at a higher rate because of the good precedent set by alcohol
and tobacco and the fact that the increased cost should reduce the number of fast-food people buy.

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Agree or Disagree IELTS Sample Essay

It is argued that governments should levy a tariff on junk food because the number of health risks
associated with consuming this kind of food is on the rise. This essay agrees that a higher rate of tax
should be paid by fast-food companies. Firstly, alcohol and tobacco companies already pay higher taxes;
secondly, higher taxes could raise prices and lower consumption.

Higher excise on liqueur and cigarettes has proven to curb the harm caused by these substances. This
revenue has been used to treat health problems associated with these products and has proven useful in
advertising campaigns warning people about the dangers of alcohol and tobacco abuse. Tax from fast
food could be used in the same way. The United Kingdom is a prime example, where money from
smokers is used to treat lung cancer and heart disease.

Increasing taxes would raise prices and lower consumption. Fast food companies would pass on these
taxes to consumers in the form of higher prices, leading to people not being able to afford junk food
because it is too expensive. Junk food would soon become a luxury item, and it would only be consumed
occasionally, which would be less harmful to the general public’s health. For instance, the cost of
organic food has proven prohibitively expensive for most people, and that is why only a small
percentage of the population buys it regularly.

In conclusion, junk food should be taxed at a higher rate because of the good precedent set by alcohol
and tobacco and the fact that the increased cost should reduce the amount of fast-food people buy.

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2. IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

IELTS advantages and disadvantages questions normally give you a statement and ask you to comment
on the advantages and disadvantages of that statement.

The problem is that there are 2 different types of advantages and disadvantages essays, each requiring
a different approach. If you answer them differently, you risk losing many easy marks.

Question 1

In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high
school and starting university studies.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

Question 2

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary schools
rather than secondary schools.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Structure for Essay 1

Introduction

Sentence 1- Paraphrase question

Sentence 2- Outline sentence

Supporting Paragraph 1 (Advantages)

Sentence 3- Topic sentence (2 Advantages)

Sentence 4- Explain first advantage

Sentence 5- Explain second advantage

Sentence 6- Example of second advantage

Supporting Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages)

Sentence 6- Topic sentence (2 Disadvantages)

Sentence 7- Explain first disadvantage

Sentence 8- Explain second disadvantage

Sentence 9- Example of second disadvantage

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Conclusion

Sentence 9- Summary of main points

Question 1 Advantages and Disadvantages Sample Answer

In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing
high school and starting university studies.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

Before college, many young people are advised that a year of working or travelling may be a good
option. This essay will suggest that experience gained and money saved are the biggest advantages of
this, but delaying careers and reducing motivation to study are the primary disadvantages.

The main advantages of a gap year are learning more about the world and earning money. For students
who have just finished secondary school, working or travelling for a year will allow them to learn what
life is like outside of the education system. Also, third-level education is very expensive, and many
students decide to work for 12 months and save money before they begin their studies. The average
student at a UK university requires over £10,000 per annum to survive, and many drop out because they
cannot afford to stay.

Despite these advantages, students lose a year that could have been used to advance their future careers,
and they often get used to working or travelling and don’t want to return to a life of study. As job
markets are very competitive, an extra year of experience can make a massive difference when applying
for jobs, and those who took a gap year are at a disadvantage. Moreover, some decide to bypass
university altogether and go straight into a job that is beneath their capabilities or may not offer the
same prospects their future career might have. For instance, jobs in the service industry are easy to get
without a third-level education, and many gap students fill these roles only to be stuck in them for the
rest of their lives.

In conclusion, taking a break from studies can be advantageous if it allows people to accumulate savings
or learn more about the world. However, they should also be careful that it does not delay the start of
their careers and lead to disillusionment with education.

Structure for Essay 2

Introduction

Sentence 1- Paraphrase question

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

Sentence 3- Outline sentence

Main Body Paragraph 1 (Stronger Side)

Sentence 4- Topic Sentence

Sentence 5- Explain why it is strong

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Sentence 6- Example

Sentence 7- Topic Sentence

Sentence 8- Explain why it is strong

Sentence 9- Example

Main Body Paragraph 2 (Weaker Side)

Sentence 10- Topic Sentence

Sentence 11- Explain why it is not strong

Sentence 12- Example

Conclusion

Sentence 13- Summary of main points and restate position.

Question 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Sample Answer

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary
schools rather than secondary schools.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Some authorities think that it is more favourable for pupils to begin studying languages at primary
school instead of secondary school. This essay will argue that the advantages of this outweigh the
drawbacks. The essay will first demonstrate that the earlier someone learns an additional language, the
more likely they are to master it and that it brings added cognitive benefits, followed by an analysis of
how the primary disadvantage, namely confusion with their native tongue, is not valid.

The main reason to start kids off with foreign languages early is that this increases the likelihood they
will achieve fluency in adulthood. That is to say that they will have far more years to perfect their skills,
and speaking bilingually will seem perfectly normal. For example, in countries such as Holland and
Norway, where English is taught from a very young age, most adults speak it at an advanced level.
Learning a second language also helps to improve overall cognitive abilities. In other words, it benefits
the overall development of a child’s brain. It is well known that bi-lingual children are significantly
more likely to score higher in Mathematics and Science.

Those opposed to this say that it causes the child to become confused between their mother tongue and
the other language. However, there is actually no evidence to support this view and children from
bilingual families do just as well in both languages. My son was brought up speaking both Vietnamese
and English and outperforms most of his classmates in both.

On balance, the fact that early foreign language learning leads to higher fluency and improved brain
function clearly outweighs the flawed argument that it impairs the uptake of native languages.

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3. Problem Solution Essay

Common Mistakes

1. The most common mistake for problem solution essays is not expanding on your ideas and

instead simply listing lots of problems and solutions. The examiner does not want a list of all

the problems and solutions you can think of, and please don’t do this in the exam. Instead, if

you look at how the exam is marked, the examiner wants you to pick one or two problems and

solutions and then expand on them with explanations and examples. More on how to do this

below.

2. Another common mistake is writing about problems and solutions that are not directly linked

to the question. You should be like a sniper when answering the question and only give very

specific ideas rather than ideas that generally talk about the overall issue. This has a lot to do

with how you identify keywords and micro-keywords in the questions which we will look at

below.

3. Lots of people think of good ideas for problems and then fail to link their solutions to these

problems. Each problem should have a solution directly linked to it, or in other words, it should

solve the actual problem.

4. Finally, some candidates think of really good problems and solutions that answer the question

properly and then expand their answers with explanations and examples, but they talk too

generally. Instead, you should be thinking of specific examples and explanations. We will look

at how to avoid this below.

Analysing the Question

Analyse the question by thinking about three things:

 keywords

 micro-keywords

 action words

Keywords are the words that tell us what the general topic is.

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Micro-keywords identify which part of the general topic the examiner wants you to discuss. They often
give an opinion, qualify the statement or talk about a sub-category of the bigger general topic.

Action words tell us what the examiner wants us to do.

Problem Solution Sample Essay

Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century, and sea levels
continue to rise at alarming rates.

What problems are associated with this, and what are some possible solutions?

If we look at this question, we can see that the keywords are ‘global warming‘. This is our general
topic. We will write about this, but we cannot write about any problems associated with global warming.
If we do this, we have not answered the question properly. We, therefore, need to look at the micro-
keywords.

The micro-keywords are ‘humans‘ and ‘sea level rise‘. So instead of writing just about the huge topic
of global warming and any problems associated with that (such as increased storms, extinction of certain
animals, erosion of soil), we have to talk about how particularly sea level rises will affect humans. If
we talked about the problems affecting the ‘planet’ or ‘animals’ or the ‘atmosphere’, we would not be
answering the question.

The action words are problems and solutions. Our task is, therefore, to write about that and only that.
It does not ask our opinion about the disadvantages, advantages, or causes, just the problems and
solutions. If we discussed the causes of sea level rise, we would not be answering the question.

There are several problems and solutions, including:

Problem: flooding of people’s homes and businesses

Solution: build flood barriers or move to higher areas

Problem: loss of agricultural land and starvation

Solution: switch to more suitable crops

Problem: displacement of millions of people

Solution: move people in a planned and orderly way before the floods

Problem: groundwater undrinkable

Solution: build desalination plants

For each problem, you should think of a solution that directly solves this problem.

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Structure
Paragraph 1- Introduction

Paragraph 2- Problems

Paragraph 3- Solutions

Paragraph 4- Conclusion

At a sentence level, structure should look like this:

Introduction

1- Paraphrase question

2- Outline sentence

Problem

3- State problems

4- Explain first problem

5- Explain second problem

6- Example of second problem

Solution

7- State solutions

8- Explain solution to first problem

9- Explain solution to second problem

10- Example of solution to second problem

Conclusion

Sentence 11- Summary of main points in paragraphs 2 and 3

Introduction
The introduction will have two sentences: a paraphrase of the question and an outline statement.

Paraphrasing is simply saying the sentence again with different words but with the same meaning or by
using synonyms and/or changing the order of the words.

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Question- Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century, and sea
levels continue to rise at alarming rates.

Paraphrased- Climate change is among the principal dangers facing people this century, and ocean
levels are increasing dramatically.

Our outline sentence should look something like this:

This essay will first suggest that the biggest problems caused by this phenomenon are the loss of
land and the flooding of homes and then argue that pollution reduction and building flood
protection are the most viable solutions.

Our introduction will, therefore, look like this:

Climate change is among the principal dangers facing people this century, and ocean levels are
increasing dramatically. This essay will first suggest that the biggest problems caused by this
phenomenon are the loss of land and the flooding of homes and then argue that pollution
reduction and building flood protection are the most viable solutions.

It should be noted that this introduction does not contain a thesis statement. This is because this
particular question does not ask us for our opinion. However, IELTS problem solution questions
sometimes do ask you for your opinion, and you should then include a thesis statement.

Problems Paragraph
Our problems paragraph will have this structure:

Sentence 1- State problems

Sentence 2- Explain first problem

Sentence 3- Explain second problem

Sentence 4- Example of second problem

State problems: The foremost problems caused by climbing sea levels are that land is being lost and
peoples’ residences are often flooded.

Explain first problem: As water levels rise, low-lying land is submerged, and many countries become
smaller.

Explain second problem: Furthermore, millions of people worldwide live in coastal areas, and if the
sea rises by even a few feet, they are inundated with water and lose their property.

Now we must give an example of what we are talking about. When we give an example, it should be as
specific as possible.

An example of a very general example would be:

Lots of people in the world have experienced floods recently.

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This is far too general to be considered a good example.

Example: The devastation brought about by this was clear for all to see during the 2011 Tsunami in
Japan, in which millions of people were displaced.

This example is much more specific. Stating a place and/or date can help you make your examples more
specific.

Our second paragraph will look like this:

The foremost problems caused by climbing sea levels are that land is being lost and people’s
residences are often flooded. As water levels rise, low-lying land is submerged, and many
countries become smaller. Furthermore, millions of people worldwide live in coastal areas, and if
the sea rises by even a few feet, they are inundated with water and lose their property. This
devastation was clear for all to see during the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, in which millions of people
were displaced.

Solutions Paragraph
Our solutions paragraph will have this structure:

Sentence 1- State solutions

Sentence 2- Explain solution to first problem

Sentence 3- Explain solution to second problem

Sentence 4- Example of solution to second problem

State solutions: Possible solutions to these problems would be to reduce the amount of pollution created
and build flood barriers.

Explain first solution: If each person reduces their carbon footprint, the negative effects on the
environment will be reduced, which will mean that the water level will stop rising.

Explain second solution: Furthermore, flood defences, such as dikes, dams, and floodgates, could be
built along coasts and waterways, thereby stopping the water from reaching populated areas.

Example: The Netherlands is one of the most populated areas in the world and one of the most
vulnerable to flooding. They have successfully employed various flood defence systems.

Our whole solutions paragraph will look like this:

Possible solutions to these problems would be to reduce the amount of pollution being created
and to build flood barriers. If each person reduces their carbon footprint, the negative effects on
the environment will be reduced, which will mean that the water level will stop rising.
Furthermore, flood defences, such as dikes, dams, and floodgates, could be built along coasts and
waterways, thereby stopping the water from reaching populated areas. The Netherlands is one of
the most populated areas in the world and also one of the most vulnerable to flooding, and they
have successfully employed various flood defence systems.

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We have now answered the question and need to sum up what we have said in the conclusion.

Conclusion
The conclusion should have no new ideas but instead should list the main points from the previous two
paragraphs. You can also use synonyms in this paragraph to avoid repetition.

Conclusion: To conclude, stemming the rising tides caused by increasing global temperatures is one of
the foremost challenges we face, and it will ultimately lead to some countries losing landmass and many
of the world’s cities being left underwater, but possible solutions could be to protect our environment
and to utilise the flood prevention techniques already used by countries like Holland.

Our whole conclusion for this problem solution essay will look like this:

To conclude, stemming the rising tides caused by increasing global temperatures is one of the
foremost challenges we face, and it will ultimately lead to some countries losing landmass and
many of the world’s cities being left underwater, but possible solutions could be to protect our
environment and to utilise the flood prevention techniques already used by countries like Holland.

Problem and Solution Sample Essay

Here is the whole essay:

Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century, and sea levels
continue to rise at alarming rates.

What problems are associated with this, and what are some possible solutions?

Climate change is among the principal dangers facing people this century, and ocean levels are
increasing dramatically. This essay will first suggest that the biggest problems caused by this
phenomenon are the loss of land and the flooding of homes and then argue that pollution reduction and
building flood protection are the most viable solutions.

The foremost problems caused by climbing sea levels are that land is being lost and peoples’ residences
are often flooded. As water levels rise, low-lying land is submerged and many countries become
smaller. Furthermore, millions of people all over the world live in coastal areas, and if the sea rises by
even a few feet, they are inundated with water and lose their property. The devastation brought about
by this was clear for all to see during the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, in which millions of people were
displaced.

Possible solutions to these problems would be to reduce the amount of pollution being created and to
build flood barriers. If each person reduces their carbon footprint, the negative effects on the
environment will be reduced and this will mean that the water level will stop rising. Furthermore, flood
defences, such as dikes, dams, and floodgates, could be built along coasts and waterways, thereby
stopping the water reaching populated areas. The Netherlands is one of the most populated areas in the
world and also one of the most vulnerable to flooding and they have successfully employed various
flood defence systems.

To conclude, stemming the rising tides caused by increasing global temperatures is one of the foremost
challenges we face and it will ultimately lead to some countries losing landmass and many of the worlds’
cities being left underwater, but possible solutions could be to protect our environment and to utilise
the flood prevention techniques already used by countries like Holland.

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4. Discuss Both Views

How to write a Task 2 discussion essay:

Structure
Introduction

1- Paraphrase Question

2- State Both Points of View

2- Thesis Statement

3- Outline Sentence

Main Body Paragraph 1

1- State first viewpoint

2- Discuss first viewpoint

3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint

4- Example to support your view

Main Body Paragraph 2

1- State second viewpoint

2- Discuss second viewpoint

3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint

4- Example to support your view

Conclusion

Sentence 1- Summary

Sentence 2- State which one is better or more important

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Example Answer
Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say this is a positive trend,
while others argue that it leads to negative consequences.

Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.

There is an ever-increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the classroom. It is often
argued that this is a positive development, whilst others disagree and think it will lead to adverse
ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in technology is beneficial to students and teachers.

The internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before. Moreover, learners
can research and learn about any subject at the touch of a button. It is therefore agreed that technology
is a very worthwhile tool for education. Wikipedia is a prime example, where students can type in any
keyword and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.

However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. Human
interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Despite this, human
interaction is still possible through the internet, and this essay disagrees that technology should be
dismissed for this reason. For instance, Skype and Facebook allow people to interact in ways that were
never before possible.

In conclusion, while the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap into
limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomenon
and not allow it to curb face-to-face interaction. However, as long as we carefully consider the
importance of human interaction in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive.

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5. Two-Part Questions

Typical Question Words

There will normally be a statement, and they will then ask you to answer separate questions.

Essay Structure
Introduction

1- Paraphrase Question

2- Outline Sentence (mention both questions)

Main Body Paragraph 1

1- Answer first question directly

2- Explain why

3- Further explain

4- Example

Main Body Paragraph 2

1- Answer second question directly

2- Explain why

3- Further explain

4- Example

Conclusion

1- Summary

Example Question

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element
of individual wellbeing.

What factor contributes to job satisfaction?

How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

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Sample Answer

As most adults spend most of their time at work, being content with your career is a crucial part of a
person’s health and happiness. This essay will first suggest fair pay as a key element leading to job
satisfaction, and it will then state that it is not very likely that everyone can be happy with their job.

The most important thing that satisfies someone at work is being compensated fairly. If those more
senior than you respect you as a person and the job you are doing, then you feel like you are valued. A
fair salary and benefits are important marks of respect, and if you feel you are being underpaid, you will
either resent your bosses or look for another job. These two factors came top of a recent job satisfaction
survey conducted by Monster.com, which found that 72% of people were pleased with their current role
if their superiors regularly told them they were appreciated.

With regard to the question of happiness for all workers, I think this is and always will be highly
unlikely. The vast majority of people fail to reach their goals and end up working in a post they don’t
really care about in return for a salary. This money is just enough to pay their living expenses which
often means they are trapped in a cycle of disenchantment. For example, The Times recently reported
that 89% of office workers would leave their jobs if they did not need the money.

In conclusion, being satisfied with your trade or profession is an important part of one’s well-being, and
respect from one’s colleagues and fair pay can improve your level of happiness; however, job
satisfaction for all workers is an unrealistic prospect.

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