IELTS Writing Task 2 Types of questions and

IELTS Writing Task 2 Types of questions and structure

Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree) • • Typical Question Words– What is your opinion? Do you agree or disagree? To what extent do you agree or disagree? • Structure • Introduction • Background situation / problem – Thesis (reflects your opinion) – Outline. • Main Body Paragraph 1 • Topic Sentence (Supporting idea 1) – Explanation – Example – Link (? ) • Main Body Paragraph 2 • Topic Sentence (Supporting idea 2) – Explanation – Example – Link (? ) • Optional !!! Main Body Paragraph 3 • Topic sentence (Counter argument(s) exist(s)) – Explanation – Example • Conclusion • Summary – state your opinion strongly

Sample tasks • Government investment in the arts, such as music and theatre, is a waste of money. Governments must invest this money in public services instead. To what extent do you agree (or disagree) with this statement? • Education is not a luxury, but a basic human right and as such should be free for everyone irrespective of personal wealth. Do you agree or disagree? • Some people think that children's free time must include educational activities otherwise they will waste their time. What is your opinion? • People use computers when they work or go banking, but some argue that it will make people isolated and decrease their social skills. To what extent do you agree with this viewpoint?

Advantages and Disadvantages Questions • Typical Question Words • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion. • Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? • Structure • Introduction • Background situation (Problem) – Thesis (There are both…) – Outline. • Main Body Paragraph 1 • Topic Sentence (Advantages) – Extension/Explanation - Example • Main Body Paragraph 2 • Topic Sentence (Disadvantages) – Extension/Explanation - Example • Conclusion • Summary – state your opinion strongly

Sample Tasks • In order to solve traffic problems, governments should tax private car owners heavily and use the money to improve public transportation. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution? • There is an increasing trend around the world to have a small family rather than a large family. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a small family rather than a large family? • People now have the freedom to work and live anywhere in the world due to the development of communication technology and transportation. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Discuss Both Views Question (Discussion Essay) • Typical Question Words • Discuss both points of view and give your opinion. • Discuss the main arguments for this statement and give your own opinion. • Structure • Introduction • Background situation (Problem) – Thesis (Some say…, while others…. ) – Outline. • Main Body Paragraph 1 • Topic Sentence (Viewpoint 1) – Extension/Explanation - Example – Concluding sentence/link • Main Body Paragraph 2 • Topic Sentence (Viewpoint 2) – Extension/Explanation - Example – Concluding sentence/link • Conclusion • Summary – state your opinion strongly (which view is better)

Sample tasks • Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences. Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion. • Blood sports have become a hot topic for debate in recent years. As society develops it is increasingly seen as an uncivilized activity and cruel to the helpless animals that are killed. All blood sports should be banned. Discuss the main arguments for this statement and give your own opinion. • Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Problem and Solution Questions • Typical Question Words • Problems and solutions. • There is a problem - Causes and solutions. • NB find the samples we worked earlier with. The structure heavily depends on a particular task • Structure • Introduction • Background – Thesis (There is smth causing problems / are problems) – Outline (solutions are possible). • Main Body Paragraph 1 • Topic sentence (State problem) - Extension/Explanation - Result - Example • Main Body Paragraph 2 • Topic Sentence (state solution) – Extension/Explanation - Example • Conclusion • Summary – Recommendation or Prediction

Sample tasks • Levels of youth crime are • Nowadays many people have access to increasing rapidly in most cities computers on a wide basis and a large around the world. number of children play computer games. What are the reasons for this, What are the negative and positive impacts and suggest some solutions. of playing computer games and what can be done to minimize the bad effects? • Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems. • Nowadays, families are not as close as in the past and a lot of people have become Identify one or two serious ones used to this. and suggest ways that governments and individuals can Explain the reasons for this and discuss any tackle these problems. possible effects it may have on society.

Two-Part Questions • Typical Question Words • There will normally be a statement and they will then ask you to answer two separate questions. • Structure • Introduction • Background situation (paraphrased question) – Thesis (mention both questions) - Outline • Main Body Paragraph 1 • Topic Sentences (Answer first question directly) - Explanation why - Further explanation - Example – Concluding/link • Main Body Paragraph 2 • Topic Sentences (Answer second question directly) - Explanation why - Further explanation - Example – Concluding/link • Conclusion • Summary – conclusion (further development)

Sample tasks • Many old buildings protected by law are part of a nation’s history. Some people think they should be knocked down and replaced by news ones. How important is it to maintain old buildings? Should history stand in the way of progress? • As people live longer and longer, the idea of cloning human beings in order to provide spare parts is becoming a reality. The idea horrifies most people, yet it is no longer mere science fiction. To what extent do you agree with such a procedure? Have you any reservations?