Types of IELTS Essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 with Tips

Types of IELTS Essays: There are main five types of essays in the IELTS exam: Opinion, Discussion, Problem-Solution, Advantage-Disadvantage, and Double Question. Each essay type has its own format, question types, and writing styles. Candidates are required to write a well-structured essay on a given topic within 40 minutes. In this guide, we have provided the different types of IELTS essays, tips to tackle them effectively, and examples for better understanding.

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Types of IELTS Essays

Writing essays is an important part of the IELTS Writing Task 2. This section includes five types of essay topics based on different real-life situations, academic settings, social environments, and more. Each type tests a different skill such as giving opinions, analyzing problems, or comparing views. The five types of IELTS essays are as follows:

1. Opinion Essays
2. Discussion Essays
3. Problem-Solution Essays
4. Agree or Disagree Essays
5. Double Question Essays

Understanding these types of IELTS essays can help candidates:

• Understand what the question is asking

• Structure your response appropriately

• Use the correct tone and vocabulary

• Avoid going off-topic

• Improve your overall band score

Also Read: IELTS Writing Tips, Strategy And Practice

Types of IELTS Essays Details

Here is a detailed description of different types of IELTS exam essays:

1. Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree)

Candidates are asked to express your opinions on a particular statement. Common question phrases generally included in IELTS opinion essay:

• Do you agree or disagree?

• To what extent do you agree or disagree?

How to Approach?

• Clearly state your opinion in the introduction.

• Support it with two main reasons or arguments.

• Use examples to justify your views.

Example:
Some people believe that technology has made our lives more complex. Do you agree or disagree?

2. Discussion Essay (Discuss Both Views)

Candidates must discuss two opposing views and give your own opinion. Common question phrases generally included in IELTS discussion essay:

• Discuss both views and give your opinion.

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

How to Approach?

• Present both sides of the argument equally.

• Clearly state your opinion in the conclusion or in a separate paragraph.

• Provide balanced reasoning and relevant examples.

Example:
Some believe children should start school at a young age, while others think they should begin later. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Candidates are asked to discuss the positive and negative sides of a topic. Common question phrases generally included in IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages?

• Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

How to Approach?

• Write one paragraph for advantages and one for disadvantages.

• You may also give your opinion if the question asks whether one outweighs the other.

Example:
Many people are working from home nowadays. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

4. Problem and Solution Essay

Candidates are expected to identify problems and suggest solutions. Common question phrases generally included in IELTS problem and solution essay:

• What are the causes of this problem?

• What solutions can be offered?

How to Approach?

• Write one paragraph explaining the cause(s) of the issue.

• In another paragraph, offer practical solutions.

• Support with real-life examples or data if possible.

Example:
Obesity is becoming a major health issue in many countries. What are the causes, and what solutions can be suggested?

5. Double Question Essay (Direct Questions)

Candidates are given two different questions in one prompt. Common question phrases generally includes:

• Usually presented as two questions at the end of the prompt.

How to Approach?

• Write a separate paragraph for each question.

• Ensure you fully answer both parts.

• Provide clear examples and explanations.

Example:
Nowadays, many people buy products online. Why is this the case? Is it a positive or negative development?

Also Read: 

• IELTS Writing band score  
• IELTS vocabulary

Tips to Write a High-Scoring IELTS Essay

The following basic suggestions can help you write essays for IELTS Writing Task 2:

• Understand the question type before planning your response.

• Use a clear essay structure: Introduction, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusion.

• Use linking words to ensure coherence and flow.

• Support your arguments with examples from real life, studies, or general knowledge.

• Maintain a formal tone throughout your essay.

• Proofread your essay to avoid grammar and spelling errors.

Mastering the types of IELTS essays can help students achieve a high IELTS Writing Band Score. Once you are familiar with the structure and requirements of each essay type, you can practice accordingly and develop a strategic approach to handle any topic confidently.

Guidance of PW IELTS

Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.