GT Writing Task 2: The Essay

GT Writing Task 2 is identical to Academic Writing Task 2. You write a formal essay of at least 250 words in approximately 40 minutes. This task is worth two-thirds of your Writing band score, making it the single most influential component of your Writing result.

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The Task Format

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

[Statement or question about a topic of general interest]

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant
examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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Essay Types

IELTS Task 2 uses four main essay types. Recognising the type instantly is essential — it determines your structure.

Type 1: Opinion (Agree/Disagree)

Prompt language: "To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

What to do: State your opinion clearly in the introduction and support it with reasons and examples throughout the essay.

Possible positions:

• Fully agree
• Fully disagree
• Partially agree (the nuanced position — often the strongest for Band 7+)

Type 2: Discussion (Both Views)

Prompt language: "Discuss both views and give your own opinion."

What to do: Present arguments for BOTH sides, then state which side you favour and why.

Band 7+ Tip: You MUST give your opinion when the prompt asks for it. A common Band 6 mistake is discussing both sides without clearly stating a position.

Type 3: Problem/Solution

Prompt language: "What are the causes of this problem? What solutions can you suggest?"

What to do: Identify the causes, then propose practical solutions. Each solution should logically address a cause you have identified.

Type 4: Two-Part Question

Prompt language: Two separate questions, e.g. "Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development?"

What to do: Address each question, typically in separate body paragraphs.

Identifying Essay Type — Quick Reference
═════════════════════════════════════════
"agree or disagree"         → OPINION
"discuss both views"        → DISCUSSION
"causes...solutions"        → PROBLEM/SOLUTION
"Why...Is this positive"    → TWO-PART QUESTION

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Essay Structure

The Four-Paragraph Structure

This is the most reliable structure for Band 7+:

Paragraph	Content	Length
Introduction	Paraphrase the topic + thesis statement	2–3 sentences
Body 1	First main argument with reasons and examples	5–7 sentences
Body 2	Second main argument with reasons and examples	5–7 sentences
Conclusion	Summarise your position — no new ideas	1–2 sentences

The Five-Paragraph Option

For discussion essays, you may prefer:

Paragraph	Content
Introduction	Paraphrase + indicate you will discuss both sides
Body 1	Arguments for View A
Body 2	Arguments for View B
Body 3	Your own opinion with reasons
Conclusion	Summarise

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Writing a Strong Introduction

Your introduction has two jobs:

1. Paraphrase the topic (show the examiner you understand the question)
2. State your position / outline your approach (tell the examiner what the essay will do)

How to Paraphrase

Do NOT copy the prompt word for word. Use synonyms and restructure the sentence.

Prompt	Paraphrase
"Some people believe that children should start learning a foreign language at primary school."	"There is a growing view that foreign language instruction should begin during the early years of education."
"The increasing use of technology is changing the way people interact with each other."	"Advances in technology are fundamentally altering the nature of human communication."

Thesis Statements by Essay Type

Opinion:

• "I strongly agree with this view, and this essay will explain why."
• "While I understand the opposing argument, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."
• "I partially agree — although X has merit, Y is also an important consideration."

Discussion:

• "This essay will examine arguments on both sides before presenting my own perspective."
• "There are valid points on both sides of this debate. However, I ultimately believe that..."

Problem/Solution:

• "This essay will first analyse the key causes of this issue before proposing practical solutions."

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Writing Strong Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should follow the PEEL structure:

Element	Purpose	Example
Point	State your main argument	"One significant advantage of remote working is the reduction in commuting time."
Explain	Elaborate on why this matters	"Employees who work from home save an average of one to two hours per day that would otherwise be spent travelling."
Evidence	Provide a specific example or data	"For instance, a 2023 study by the University of Stanford found that remote workers reported a 13% increase in productivity, largely attributable to fewer distractions and the elimination of commuting fatigue."
Link	Connect back to the question	"This demonstrates that flexible working arrangements can benefit both employees and employers."