Knowing how to organize your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay is very important because it helps you improve your coherence and cohesion score, write faster, and focus on your ideas/language.
In this video, I introduce the 4 IELTS writing task 2 question types and explain how to organize your essay for each of them.
How to Organize IELTS Writing Task 2 into The Four Paragraph Essay
Why is structure important? Because helps you organize your thoughts, write faster, and focus on your ideas/language.
I recommend using four paragraphs for the IELTS Writing Task 2 essay.
- Introduction
- Body 1
- Body 2
- Conclusion
This is not the only way, but I think it’s the easiest.
Task 2 Question Types
- Opinion Question (e.g. To what extent do you agree or disagree?)
- Discussion Question (e.g. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.)
- Problem-solving (e.g. Explain this problem and suggest some solutions.)
- Two-part
Opinion Question Structure
Example Question: As well as making money, businesses also have social responsibilities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Introduction: Introduce the topic. Then, give your opinion.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss your opinion (first theme).
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss your opinion (second theme).
Conclusion: Re-paraphrase the topic and give your opinion with a couple of extra details from your body paragraphs. No new details
Discussion Question Structure
Example Question: Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like (Side A). Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology (Side B). Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Introduction: Introduce the topic (both sides). Then, give your opinion.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss one side (opposite side to your opinion).
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the other side (same side as your opinion).
Conclusion: Re-paraphrase the topic and give your opinion with a couple of extra details from your body paragraphs. No new details.
Problem Solving Question Structure
Example Question: The number of plants and animals is declining. Explain this problem and suggest some solutions.
Introduction: Introduce the topic. Suggest that this problem can be solved.
Body Paragraph 1: Explain the problem. Give examples.
Body Paragraph 2: Suggest some solutions. Explain cause and effect.
Conclusion: Summarize the problem and your solution with a few specific details from the body paragraphs. No new details.
Two Part Question Structure
Example Question: Happiness is considered very important in life. Why is it difficult to define? What factors are important in achieving happiness?
Introduction: Introduce the topic. Then, give overall answer to both questions.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss your answer to the first question.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss your answer to the second question.
Conclusion: Re-paraphrase the topic and summarize your answers to each question with a couple of details from your body paragraphs. No new details.
How to Practice Organizing IELTS Writing Task 2
For practice, I recommend making plans like we cover in this lesson on planning before writing. No need to write the essay every time, but practicing good planning will make writing much easier.