IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Instructions

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, you are required to write an essay in response to a point of
view, argument, or problem. This task is worth twice as many marks as Task 1, so it’s important
to spend about 40 minutes on it. Your essay should be at least 250 words long.

Key Instructions:
1. Understand the Question: Identify the type of essay you are being asked to
write.
2. Plan Your Answer: Organize your ideas before you start writing.
3. Write Clearly and Cohesively: Use formal academic language.
4. Support Your Ideas: Provide examples and explanations.
5. Check Your Work: Leave a few minutes to proofread.

Basics of an IELTS Essay

A well-structured IELTS essay typically follows this format:

1. Introduction (40-50 words):
• Paraphrase the question.
• State your opinion or outline the structure of the essay.
2. Body Paragraph 1 (80-100 words):
• Present the first viewpoint with supporting examples.
3. Body Paragraph 2 (80-100 words):
• Present the opposing viewpoint with supporting examples.
4. Conclusion (30-40 words):
• Summarize key points.
• Restate your opinion.

Types of IELTS Essay Questions

1. Opinion Essays (Agree or Disagree):
• Do you agree or disagree with a statement?
2. Discussion Essays (Discuss Both Views):
• Discuss both views and give your opinion.
3. Advantages and Disadvantages Essays:
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks.
4. Problem and Solution Essays:
• Identify problems and suggest solutions.
5. Double Question Essays:
• Answer two related questions.
 How to Organize IELTS Essay Types into Paragraphs
Each type of IELTS essay requires a specific structure to clearly present ideas and arguments.
Below is a guide on how to organize the different types of IELTS essay questions into
paragraphs.

1. Opinion Essays (Agree or Disagree)

Question Example:
Do you agree or disagree with the statement that technology has made life easier?

Structure:
• Introduction:
• Paraphrase the question.
• Clearly state your opinion (agree/disagree).
• Body Paragraph 1:
• Main Idea: First reason why you agree/disagree.
• Explanation: Explain the reason.
• Example: Provide an example to support your point.
• Body Paragraph 2:
• Main Idea: Second reason why you agree/disagree.
• Explanation: Explain the reason.
• Example: Provide an example to support your point.
• Conclusion:
• Summarize your main points.
• Restate your opinion.

2. Discussion Essays (Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion)

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

Structure:
• Introduction:
• Paraphrase the question.
• State both views.
• Give your opinion.
• Body Paragraph 1:
• Main Idea: Discuss the first view.
• Explanation: Explain why some people support this idea.
• Example: Provide an example.
• Body Paragraph 2:
 • Main Idea: Discuss the second view.
• Explanation: Explain why others support this idea.
• Example: Provide an example.
• Conclusion:
• Summarize both views.
• Restate your opinion.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

Question Example:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of working from home?

Structure:
• Introduction:
• Paraphrase the question.
• State that you will discuss both advantages and disadvantages.
• Body Paragraph 1 (Advantages):
• Main Idea: First advantage.
• Explanation: Explain the advantage.
• Example: Provide an example.
• Main Idea: Second advantage (optional).
• Body Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages):
• Main Idea: First disadvantage.
• Explanation: Explain the disadvantage.
• Example: Provide an example.
• Main Idea: Second disadvantage (optional).
• Conclusion:
• Summarize both advantages and disadvantages.
• Give a balanced opinion (optional).

4. Problem and Solution Essays

Question Example:
What are the causes of traffic congestion in cities, and how can it be reduced?

Structure:
• Introduction:
• Paraphrase the question.
• State that you will discuss problems and solutions.
• Body Paragraph 1 (Problems):
• Main Idea: First problem.
• Explanation: Explain the problem.
• Example: Provide an example.
• Main Idea: Second problem (optional).
 • Body Paragraph 2 (Solutions):
• Main Idea: First solution.
• Explanation: Explain the solution.
• Example: Provide an example.
• Main Idea: Second solution (optional).
• Conclusion:
• Summarize the main problems and solutions.
• Offer a final thought.

5. Double Question Essays (Direct Questions)

Question Example:
Why do people prefer fast food? What can be done to improve people’s eating habits?

Structure:
• Introduction:
• Paraphrase the question.
• State that you will answer both questions.
• Body Paragraph 1 (Answer to Question 1):
• Main Idea: Reason why people prefer fast food.
• Explanation: Explain the reason.
• Example: Provide an example.
• Body Paragraph 2 (Answer to Question 2):
• Main Idea: Suggest ways to improve eating habits.
• Explanation: Explain the solution.
• Example: Provide an example.
• Conclusion:
• Summarize both answers.
• Offer a final opinion (optional).

General Tips for Organizing Paragraphs

1. Clear Topic Sentences: Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence.
2. Logical Flow: Ensure ideas flow logically between paragraphs.
3. Balance: Allocate similar length and depth to each body paragraph.
4. Linking Words: Use connectors like (Firstly, However, Moreover, In contrast, and
Therefore) to improve cohesion.
5. Examples: Use real-life examples or evidence to support your ideas.

By following these structures, your essay will be well-organized and easier for the examiner to
understand, helping you achieve a higher score.
 Sample Answer for the Given Question in Task 2: IELTS WRITING PRACTICE

Question:
Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Others,
however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for
committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Sample Answer:

Crime and punishment have long been subjects of debate. While some advocate for fixed
punishments for each type of crime, others believe that the context and motivation behind the
crime should influence the severity of the punishment. This essay will discuss both perspectives
and explain why considering individual circumstances is more just.

On one hand, fixed punishments can ensure fairness and consistency in the legal system. If
every individual who commits a particular crime receives the same sentence, it eliminates
potential bias or discrimination in judicial decisions. For example, assigning a specific sentence
for theft can deter individuals from committing the crime, knowing the consequences are
certain. Additionally, a standardized system can speed up legal proceedings, reducing the
burden on courts.

On the other hand, crimes are often complex, and fixed punishments may overlook important
details. Circumstances such as self-defense, mental health issues, or extreme poverty could
explain why a person committed a crime. For instance, a person who steals food to feed their
starving family should not receive the same punishment as a career thief. Taking motivation
into account allows for more compassionate and fair judgments, ensuring that punishments fit
not only the crime but also the criminal’s intent and situation.

In my opinion, while consistency in the legal system is important, a more flexible approach that
considers individual circumstances leads to fairer outcomes. The justice system should balance
the need for order with compassion, ensuring that punishments are both appropriate and
rehabilitative.

In conclusion, although fixed punishments can promote equality and efficiency, they fail to
address the complexities behind each crime. Therefore, it is essential to consider the
circumstances and motives in order to achieve true justice.

Word Count: 280