Types of Essay in IELTS: Structure & Samples

The IELTS writing task 2 tests the essay writing skills of the students. There are 5 different types of essay in IELTS which a student can be asked to write. Therefore, before appearing for the test, the candidates should practice all of them and learn about their structure and writing style. Here, we will discuss different essays and there aspects and give you a clear insight into writing a perfect essay to successfully complete your test and get an 8+ band score. Thus, lets get started and explore the types of essays.

What Are the Types of Essays in IELTS Writing Task 2?

For the IELTS writing task 2, you must learn 5 different IELTS essay types that are commonly asked from the aspirants. These are - 

1. Opinion Essay

2. Discussion Essay 

3. Problem-Solution Essay 

4. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay 

5. Double Question Essay

It is highly important for the students to carefully read and understand the essay question to find out the type of essay they have to write. Each essay has a specific structure and approach. Therefore, you must practice all the types of Essay in IELTS to enhance your ability to handle different task types effectively. Let us have a look at all the 5 types of essays in detail.

1. Opinion Essay

Also known as agree/disagree essay or argumentative essay. An opinion essay assesses your ability to present a clear stance on an issue, support it with relevant examples, and provide a well-structured argument. Opinion essays are an integral part of the IELTS exam pattern. In this type of essay, you have to present and support your opinion on a given topic. You must provide relevant examples and evidences to support your argument. Now, we will discuss the structure of an opinion essay. 

Structure

The structure of an opinion essay is as follows:

1. Introduction

• Paraphrase the essay topic or question.
• Write the thesis statement and clearly state your opinion.

2. Body Paragraphs

• There can be 2 or 3 body paragraphs depending on the question.
• Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence. It should give a main supporting point.
• Provide examples, evidence, or personal experiences to support each point.
• Explain your ideas, explaining their relevance to the topic.

3. Conclusion

• Summarize the main points.
• Restate your opinion.
• Remember you do not have to give any new information.

Key Tips

1. You must express your opinion in clear words such that your stance on the topic is apparent to the examiner.
2. You have to support your opinion by providing real-life examples or scenarios in this IELTS task 2 essay types. This adds credibility to your argument.
3. If there are opposing views, pay attention to them in a brief manner such as to strengthen your overall argument.
4. You must stay focused on the topic and make sure that all the paragraphs are directly related to the essay topic.
5. You should use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures to showcase your language proficiency.

You must practice a lot to master opinion essays. You should regularly write on different topics so that you become familiar with various questions and also comfortable with the structure of different types of IELTS Writing Task 2. Now, let us move on to the discussion essay.

2. Discussion Essay

In a discussion essay, you have to discuss the pros and cons of the given subject. It aims at providing a balanced view and shows how well you can handle multiple perspectives. In other words, you have to discuss both the sides of an issue or topic before presenting your opinion. Here you have to discuss the pros and cons on the given topic maintaining a balance. If you are baffling with this, joining online IELTS classes is the best option.

Structure

The structure for an ideal discussion essay is as follows:

1. Introduction

• Provide a general statement about the topic in the beginning.
• Give some background information.
• Inform that you will discuss both sides of the issue.

2. Body Paragraphs

• There can be 2 or 3 body paragraphs depending on the question.
• Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence. It should give a main supporting point.
• Support your points with examples or evidence.
• Present your ideas in a balanced way,giving equal attention to both aspects.

3. Conclusion

• Summarize the main points made in the essay.
• Again,talk about the fact that both the sides of the issue were discussed.
• Give your final thought about the topic.

Key Tips

1. You must provide a fair and balanced discussion of both sides of the issue.
2. You have to clearly separate paragraphs for each aspect,e. the pros and cons of the discussion.
3. Always use specific examples and evidence to strengthen your points.
4. You must make sure to express your own opinion, but at the end of the essay.
5. You should stay focused on the topic and avoid other issues.

Mastering discussion essays needs a lot of practice. To become at ease with the structure and style of these essays you have to regularly write on different topics of discussion essays. Next, we are going to discuss another types of IELTS writing task 2, i.e. problem solution essays.

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3. Problem Solution Essay

Also referred to as a ‘causes and solutions’ essay, a problem-solution essay talks about a problem and also gives possible solutions. In this, you have to convince the reader that the solutions you are providing are feasible. Thus, to write this IELTS Task 2 Essay Types, you have to identify a problem, discuss its causes and effects, and give possible solutions. To do this, you must evaluate the problem accurately.

Structure

1. Introduction

• Give an introduction tothe problem in brief.
• Provide some background information.
• Give a thesis statement with a hint of proposed solutions.

2. Body Paragraphs

• There can be 2 or 3 body paragraphs depending on the question.
• In each paragraph, describe the problem in detail,along with its causes and consequences.
• Provide realistic solutions along with examples, evidences and expert opinions.

3. Conclusion

• Summarize the main points made in the essay.
• Talk about the importance of solving the problem.

Key Tips

1. Define the problem in clear words.
2. Suggest practical solutions which can be implemented.
3. Give examples and evidences to support your argument.
4. Do not give too many points of problems and solutions.
5. Make sure that there is a solution linked to each problem.

To successfully write a Problem Solution essay, you must clearly understand the question. On the basis of the topic, organize your ideas and write a well-structured essay. Let us now move on to another one from the various types of IELTS writing task 2, i.e.advantages and disadvantages essay.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

It is a common task in IELTS Writing Task 2 and requires you to examine both the positive and negative aspects of a particular topic. In this you get an opportunity to showcase your ability to present a balanced view on a given topic. Moreover, you have to present a well balance argument after analyzing the positive and negative aspects of the prompt. Thus, present a well-balanced argument

Structure

To draft an ideal advantages and disadvantages essay, you must follow the structure below:

1. Introduction

• Give a brief introduction of the topic and provide some background information.
• Tell the reader that we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

2. Body Paragraphs 1– Advantages.

• Describe the advantage in the topic sentence.
• Give details and support with examples and reasons.

3. Body Paragraphs 2– Disadvantages.

• Describe the disadvantage in the topic sentence.
• Give details and support with examples and reasons.

4. Conclusion

• Summarize the main points from both the advantages and disadvantages.
• Give your opinion or a balanced thought.

Key Tips

1. Try to provide a balanced discussion of both advantages and disadvantages.
2. Provide proper examples and evidences to support your argument.
3. The structure of the essay is very important here. Divide the essay intoclear paragraphs.
4. You should use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures to showcase your language proficiency.
5. In the end,you can also present your opinion about the question.

You have to be very careful while drafting this one from the list of different IELTS essay types. Understand the question properly and then explore the topic in different paragraphs about advantages and disadvantages. Next, we are going to learn about Double Question Essays.

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5. Double Question Essays

Double Question Essays are also known as Two-Part Question Essays. These are a crucial type of essays which you can encounter in your IELTS exam of writing Task 2. In these IELTS essay types, candidates are required to address two different questions in a single essay. These questions often require different types of information or views. In addition, this type of essay is an integral part of IELTS syllabus. In this, you will have a statement with two questions after it. They may or may not be linked to each other.

Structure

Here is the structure of an ideal double question essays that will help you earn higher marks:

1. Introduction

• Address both questions in brief.
• Give an overview of how you will deal with each question.

2. First Body Paragraph

• Address the first question.
• Provide examples, evidences and explanations.

3. Second Body Paragraph

• Address the second question.
• Provide examples, evidences and explanations.

4. Conclusion

• Summarize the main points made in the essay.
• Tie both questions in one knot at the end.

Key Tips

1. Clearly understand both the questions of the essay.
2. Decide the amount of time you will give to each question.
3. Do not repeat the information.
4. Give point-to-point information.
5. Add examples and evidences to support your answers.

In order to master double question essays, you must regularly practice them. Understand the kind of questions you will encounter and how you have to handle them.

Now we have learned about the 5 major types of essay in IELTS. Understanding their structure is crucial for your success in IELTS writing task 2. Each essay is different and demands specific skills. On the basis of differences in the essay types, you have to alter your writing approach. The proverb ‘Practice makes the man perfect’ perfectly fits here. The more you practice essay writing, the better essays you will be able to write. If you have any queries or doubts related to IELTS writing task 2 or study abroad consultants, you can contact the experts at Gradding.com.