2

1
Types of Questions

There are 5 main types of questions in Task 2.

We find them in the ‘instructions’ part of the question.

IELTS Writing Types:

Task 2 1.
2.
Opinion
Problem & Solution
Different Question 3. Discussion
4. Advantages & Disadvantages
Types 5. Two part question

Our essay structure depends on the type of question.

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Types of Questions Types of Questions

Type 1: Opinion Structure for completely agree/disagree.

Example (Topic): Children who are brought up in families that
do not have large amounts of money are better prepared to
• Introduction (mention opinion)
deal with the problems of adult life than children brought up
• Body Paragraph 1: Agree (or disagree) reason 1
by wealthy parents.
• Body Paragraph 1: Agree (or disagree) reason 2
Possible Instructions: • Conclusion
• Do you agree with this view?
• To what extent do you agree? Structure for partially agree
• To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
opinion? • Introduction (mention opinion)
• Body Paragraph 1: Agree reason
We have three choices for our body paragraphs: • Body Paragraph 1: Disagree reason
1. Agree entirely = 2 paragraphs to agree • Conclusion
2. Agree partially = 1 paragraph to agree, 1 to disagree
3. Disagree entirely = 2 paragraphs to disagree

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Types of Questions Types of Questions

Type 2: Problem & Solution Note: Avoid choosing lots of problems or solutions.
Example (Topic): The levels of plastic in the world’s oceans
is growing every year. Structure: Solutions only

Note: Two types of instructions: Introduction

Type 1: solutions only BP1: Solution 1
Type 2: problems & solutions BP2: Solution 2
Conclusion
Possible Instructions:
• What are some possible solutions to this problem? Structure: Problems and Solutions
(Type 1)
• How can this issue best be addressed? (Type 1) Introduction
• What problems could this cause and how could those BP1: Problems (1-2)
problems be solved? (Type 2) BP2: Solutions (1-2)
Conclusion

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Types of Questions Types of Questions

Type 3: Discussion Structure: Discussion essay

Example (Topic): Some people say that having separate
schools for boys and girls is good for their education, Introduction (30-40 words)
while others disagree. BP1: One side of argument (75-100)
BP2: Other side of argument (75-100)
Possible Instructions: BP3: My opinion (50-80)
• Discuss both sides and give your own opinion. Conclusion (20-30)
• Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.
For BP1 & BP2, don’t give your opinion- wait for BP3.
Structure for this type of question is a little different. Use neutral language in BP1 & BP2
Phrases like, ‘some people believe that…’, and, ‘other
3 body paragraphs, instead of usual 2. people state that…’

BP3 – Use phrases like, ‘in my opinion’.

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Types of Questions Types of Questions

Type 4: Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages Type 1

Example (Topic): International tourism has brought • What are the advantages and disadvantages of ____?
enormous benefit to many places. At the same time, there
is concern about its impact on local inhabitants and the Structure:
environment.
Introduction
There are 3 types of instructions: BP1: Advantages (1-2)
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of ____? BP2: Disadvantages (1-2)
• Do the advantages of ____ outweigh the Conclusion
disadvantages?
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of _____, No opinion needed.
and give your own opinion.

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Types of Questions Types of Questions

Advantages Type 2 Advantages Type 3

• Do the advantages of ____ outweigh the • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of _____,
disadvantages? and give your own opinion.

Opinion is important for this type. This type is more like a discussion essay.

Structure: Structure:

Introduction (include opinion) Introduction

BP1: Reason that advantages outweigh 1 BP1: Advantages
BP2: Reason that advantages outweigh 2 BP2: Disadvantages
Conclusion BP3: My opinion
Conclusion

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Types of Questions

Type 5: Two Part Question

Example (Topic): Many people choose to study abroad
because they think it allows them to understand other
cultures more easily. Do you agree with this view? What
are some other ways to learn about other cultures?

No fixed instructions for this type of question.

Thank You
Structure:

Introduction
BP1: Question 1 (do you agree?)
BP2: Question 2 (other ways to learn?)
Conclusion

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