Different Types of IELTS Essays?

In IELTS writing task 2, there are five different types of essays (academic and general) you may be expected to write. In this article, we will be covering these essays and prepare you to achieve the band score of your dreams.
1. Discussion Essay – In the discussion essay, you will be expected to discuss both sides of an argument. Sometimes you will be asked to give your own opinion as well. To answer this type of essay effectively, you should choose one side to agree with and one side to disagree with. You can structure this discussion essay in the following way:
    
(i) Introduction – In the introduction essay you can start by paraphrasing the question, giving your opinion, and stating supporting reasons for your opinion.
     
(ii) Paragraph 1 – In this main paragraph, write about the side you do not agree with and explain why some people may agree with this side. You can also give some examples to discuss effectively.     
     
(iii) Paragraph 2 – In this paragraph, write about the side you agree with and explain why some people may agree with this side.
     
(iv) Conclusion - Conclude with the overview of the key points and give your final opinion. 


2. Opinion Essay – Opinion essays are one of the most common types of IELTS essay questions you can expect in Writing Task 2. The first part of this question will be a statement and in the next sentence, you will be asked to give your opinion. The easiest approach you can take for this type of essay will be to give your opinion, hold that opinion throughout the essay, and give reasons for your opinion. You can structure this essay in the following way:
    
(i) Introduction - You can start with paraphrasing the question, stating your opinion clearly, and giving strong reasons for your opinion.     
     
(ii) Paragraph 1 – In this first paragraph, give the first reason supporting your opinion, explain why you feel this way, and give examples.
     
(iii) Paragraph 2 – In this paragraph, give the second reason supporting your opinion, explain, and give examples.     
     
(iv) Conclusion – Conclude by summarising the key points of your opinion.     


3. Problem/ Solution Essay – In the first part of this essay, you will be provided with a statement. In the second part, you will either be asked to give a solution or give a cause and solution or a problem and solution. You can structure this essay in the following way:
    
(i) Introduction – Start by paraphrasing the question and state a problem with its solution.     
     
(ii) Paragraph 1 – In the first paragraph, write about the problem or cause given in the question and explain it in detail.     
     
(iii) Paragraph 2 – In the second paragraph, give a solution for the problem and explain it in detail.     
     
(iv) Conclusion – Conclude by giving an outline of all the points stated above and give your opinion for effective measures.

    
4. Direct Question Essay – In the first part of this essay question, you will be provided with a statement. In the second part, you will be asked to answer two different questions and these questions may not be relevant to each other. You can structure this essay in the following way:
    
(i) Introduction – Start by paraphrasing the question and then give a     brief answer for both the questions.     
     
(ii) Paragraph 1 – In the first paragraph, answer the first question, explain your logic behind the answer, and give examples.     
     
(iii) Paragraph 2 – In the second paragraph, answer the second question, explain your logic behind it, and give examples.     
     
(iv) Conclusion - Conclude by summarising both answers.     


5.Advantage/ Disadvantage Essay – In this essay, you will be asked to write the advantages and disadvantages of a statement given. Sometimes you can also be asked to outweigh and give your opinion. You can structure this essay in the following way:

(i) Introduction – Start by paraphrasing the question and outlining the views.     
     
(ii) Paragraph 1 – In the first paragraph, state an advantage of the statement and explain it in detail. Next, give examples and write the result of this advantage.     
     
(iii) Paragraph 2 – In the second paragraph, state a disadvantage of the statement and explain it in detail. Next, give examples and write the result of this disadvantage.     
     
(iv) Conclusion – Conclude by giving the summary of the points discussed and give your opinion if asked.