IELTS Writing Task 2 essay types explained, with a Band 7+ sample answer

Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1 in your Writing band, and the single criterion that most often holds candidates at Band 6 is Task Response: answering exactly what the question asks. Recognising the essay type in the first minute tells you what your position should look like, how many sides to discuss and how to organise your paragraphs. Get the type wrong and even beautiful English can be capped at Band 5 or 6 for that criterion.

Recognise it by phrases such as 'To what extent do you agree or disagree?' or 'Do you agree?'. You must give a clear opinion and keep it consistent from the introduction to the conclusion. You can fully agree, fully disagree or partly agree, but a partial view still needs to be clear: say which part you accept and which you reject.

A reliable structure is an introduction with your position, two body paragraphs each giving one main reason with explanation and an example, and a short conclusion restating your view.

Recognise it by 'Discuss both views and give your own opinion'. Here you must explain both sides fairly and also state your own view. Many candidates forget the last part. Put one paragraph on each view and make your opinion clear in the introduction and conclusion, or within the paragraph for the view you support.

Recognise it by 'What are the advantages and disadvantages?' or 'Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?'. The second version needs a judgement, so say clearly which side is stronger and why. The first version does not strictly require an opinion, but a short evaluative comment in the conclusion often reads well.

Recognise it by 'What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?' or 'What are the causes of this, and what are the effects?'. Use one body paragraph for problems or causes and one for solutions or effects. Make solutions specific: 'governments should do something' is weak, while 'city authorities could introduce reduced-price bus passes for students' is precise and convincing.

Some prompts simply ask two separate questions, such as 'Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?'. Answer each question in its own body paragraph, in the same order as the prompt. Answering only one of them is one of the most common reasons for a low Task Response score.

Question: Some people believe that university education should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Read the essay below (about 290 words) and notice how the position is clear from the first paragraph, each body paragraph has one central idea, and examples are specific without being invented statistics.

In many countries, the cost of higher education prevents capable young people from continuing their studies. While I accept that completely free university places would place a heavy burden on public finances, I largely agree that governments should remove tuition fees, at least for students from low- and middle-income families.

The strongest argument for free education is fairness. Talent is spread across every social class, but the ability to pay is not. In countries such as Bangladesh, a bright student from a rural family may give up a place at a public university because the family cannot cover fees and living costs at the same time. When this happens, society loses a future doctor, engineer or teacher simply because of money. Removing fees widens access and allows admission to depend on merit rather than income.

Free education can also be justified economically. Graduates generally earn more, pay more tax and are less likely to depend on state support. A government that invests in degrees is therefore funding a long-term return rather than simply spending money. Countries that have expanded access to higher education have often seen growth in skilled industries, which in turn attracts investment.

Critics argue that taxpayers who never attend university should not pay for others, and that free places can encourage students to choose courses with poor job prospects. These concerns are reasonable, which is why support could be targeted at families below a certain income and linked to completing the course within a set period.

In conclusion, although universal free education is expensive, I believe that removing fees for students who cannot afford them is a fair and economically sensible policy that benefits society as a whole.

It answers the exact question with a clear partial position. Each body paragraph develops one idea with explanation and an example, and the counter-argument is acknowledged and answered rather than ignored. Linking is varied but natural (while, therefore, in turn, which is why) instead of a mechanical 'Firstly, Secondly, Lastly'. Vocabulary is precise, for example 'burden on public finances', 'widens access' and 'long-term return', without forcing rare words. Sentences mix simple and complex structures, and errors are rare.

Spending five minutes here saves time later, because you will not need to stop and think in the middle of a paragraph. Aim for 260 to 300 words; longer essays do not earn extra marks and usually contain more errors.

Can I use 'I' in an IELTS essay? Yes. Giving your opinion with 'I believe' or 'In my view' is natural and expected in opinion and discussion essays.

Is there a penalty under 250 words? Yes. Essays under 250 words are likely to lose marks for Task Response, so always check your length.

Should I memorise essays? No. Examiners are trained to spot memorised text, and it rarely fits the exact question. Memorise structures and useful phrases instead.

How many body paragraphs are best? Two well-developed body paragraphs are enough for most questions. Three is fine if you have time and each idea is fully explained.