At a glance
| Question type | Typical wording | Body paragraph 1 | Body paragraph 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opinion | To what extent do you agree or disagree? | Main reason for your view | Second reason, or the other side and why it is weaker |
| Discussion | Discuss both views and give your opinion. | First view, explained fairly | Second view, plus your opinion |
| Problem and solution | What are the problems? How can they be solved? | Problems | Solutions linked to those problems |
| Advantages and disadvantages | Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? | Advantages | Disadvantages, then which side is stronger |
| Two-part question | Why is this happening? Is it positive? | Answer to question one | Answer to question two |
Step 1 · Task
Write one body paragraph that supports free university education.
Step 2 · Model paragraph
The strongest argument for free tuition is that it allows talented students from poorer families to study. When fees are high, many capable young people choose to start work instead, not because they lack ability but because they cannot risk taking on debt. In India, for example, students from rural areas often turn down places at good colleges because their families cannot cover the cost. Removing fees would therefore help a country make full use of its talent rather than limiting higher education to those who can afford it.
Step 3 · Why it works
Topic sentence, explanation, a specific example, and a final sentence linking back to the question.
Step 4 · Common mistake
A common weak version lists three reasons in one paragraph without explaining any of them. One idea developed fully scores higher than three ideas mentioned briefly.
1Build each body paragraph the same way
- Topic sentence: the main idea of the paragraph in one clear sentence.
- Explanation: why this is true, in two or three sentences.
- Example: something specific, such as a country, a common situation or a realistic scenario.
- Link back: one sentence that ties the point to the question.
2Keep your position clear
If the question asks for your opinion, state it in the introduction and keep it the same in the conclusion. An essay that agrees in the introduction and partly disagrees in the conclusion loses marks for Task Response, even if each paragraph is well written.
Practice questions
Identify the question type for each prompt, then tap to check.
- 1
Many people now work from home. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Answer: Advantages and disadvantages
You must weigh both sides and say which is stronger.
- 2
Some say children should start school at four; others believe seven is better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Answer: Discussion
Both views need a fair paragraph, and your opinion must appear.
- 3
Traffic congestion is getting worse in many cities. What are the causes, and what can be done?
Answer: Problem and solution (causes and solutions)
One paragraph on causes, one on solutions that match them.
- 4
Advertising aimed at children should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Answer: Opinion
Give a clear position and support it throughout.
- 5
More young people are choosing to live alone. Why is this? Is it a positive or negative development?
Answer: Two-part question
Answer both questions, one per body paragraph.
Up next
Task 2 essay topics
Common themes with ideas to use
Written by the AdmitVerse team. Last reviewed on . AdmitVerse is not affiliated with IELTS, the British Council or IDP. For official rules and test dates, see ielts.org.