How to Identify the Type of Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Many students often find themselves in perplexing situations when it comes to identifying the essay type in the IELTS Writing task 2. There are various types of essays asked in Writing task 2. Hence many students find it difficult to distinguish which type of essay is opinion-based and which is not. So, let’s find out how to identify different types of essays and get some clarity on it

In IELTS Writing task 2, there are five different types of essays that can appear. Both General Training and Academic writing task 2 include these types of essays.

The 5 types of IELTS Essays are:

• Cause and Solution Essay 
• Opinion Essay
• Advantage and Disadvantage Essay
• Discussion Essay
• Direct Essay 

When it comes to IELTS Writing task 2, one of the most common mistakes students make is jumping into writing without carefully reading the question. So, it is essential to read the question carefully to comprehend it fully. 

After you complete reading the essay question of IELTS Writing task 2, underline the part which contains the actual question. For example, if a cause and effect question is given to you, then highlight the keyword ‘cause and solution’. This would let you concentrate on the essay’s main point and the essay’s main topic. So, how to identify the essay types? Let us know using the following examples:

Cause and Solution Essay

The first part of the question would be a statement. After that, you’ll be asked to discuss the cause and give solutions. 

Here are the points that you can address for the above question:

• State the cause clearly.
• Develop your arguments on the cause 
• Make sure to link the cause to its solution 
• Develop your arguments on its solution 

Opinion Essay

The first part of the question would be a statement. After that, you’ll be asked to give your opinion about the statement. There are words like agree/disagree, to what extent do you agree, whether positive or negative development and so on which help you to identify opinion essays. 

Here are the points that you can address for the above question:

• Select one side.
• State your opinion clearly in the introduction.
• Maintain the same opinion throughout the essay.
• Give supporting arguments as to why you hold the opinion.

Advantage and Disadvantage Essay

The first part of the question would be a statement. After that, you’ll be asked to discuss both advantages and disadvantages of the statement. 

Here are the points that you can address for the above question:

• State the advantages and develop your argument on them. 
• State the disadvantages and develop your argument on them. 
• Conclude your essay with your opinion and explain why you hold the opinion. 

Discussion Essay

The first part of the question would be a statement and, you have to address both sides of the argument. You will almost always be asked for your opinion as well. 

Here are the points that you can address for the above question:

• Discuss both sides of the argument
• State your opinion clearly.
• Give supporting arguments for both sides.

Direct Essay

The first part of the question would be a statement, and After that, you’ll be asked two direct questions. The question may or may not be connected. 

Here are the points that you can address for the above question:

• State your opinion in the introduction.
• Discuss both the questions. 
• Give supporting arguments for both questions.

Also Check :

• Cause and Solution Essay 
• Opinion Essay
• Advantage and Disadvantage Essay
• Discussion Essay
• Direct Essay 
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