Free tool
IELTS essay type checker
Paste a Task 2 question to see its type, exactly what it asks you to do, and a shape for your essay.
This is
Opinion
Look for “agree or disagree”, “to what extent”, or “what is your opinion”.
The question asks you to
- Say how far you agree or disagree
- Explain and support your view
A shape that works
Pick one side and stay with it.
- Introduction: Name the other view in one line, then say what you think and give one reason.
- Body: Explain that reason, say what it means in real life, and add one example about this topic.
- Ending: Close with one short sentence that repeats your view. Extra ideas belong in the body.
More opinion questions: Agree or disagree (opinion)
The five Task 2 essay types
- Agree or disagree (opinion)
Look for “agree or disagree”, “to what extent”, or “what is your opinion”.
First move: Pick one side. Then name the other view in one clause.
- Discuss both views
Look for “discuss both views” or “discuss both sides and give your opinion”.
First move: Name view A and view B, then say which side you support.
- Problem and solution
Look for “causes”, “solutions”, “how can this be solved”, or “what can be done”.
First move: Name the problem and one cause before you offer a fix.
- Advantages and disadvantages
Look for “advantages”, “disadvantages”, “outweigh”, or “positive or negative development”.
First move: List one benefit and one drawback, then give a verdict.
- Two-part questions
The task asks separate questions. Give each one a clear answer.
First move: Read both questions and answer each in a short phrase before planning paragraphs.
Questions
How many types of IELTS Task 2 essay are there?
Five common types: opinion (agree or disagree), discussion (discuss both views), problem and solution, advantages and disadvantages, and two-part (direct) questions. Some questions mix types; the last sentence of the question always tells you what to do.
Why does the essay type matter?
Task Response, a quarter of your score, depends on answering every part of the question. A discussion question needs both views and your opinion; an opinion question needs a clear position. Leaving a part of the question unanswered can hold Task Response at band 5, however good the language is.
What if a question has two questions in it?
Answer both. A two-part question such as “Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?” needs a clear answer to each, usually one body paragraph per question.