IELTS Writing Task 2 — essay structures

Opinion essay (Do you agree or disagree?)

1. Introduction — paraphrase the question (1 sentence). State your position clearly (1 sentence). Outline two reasons (1 sentence).
2. Body 1 — topic sentence (your first reason). Explain. Give a specific example. Mini-conclusion.
3. Body 2 — topic sentence (your second reason). Explain. Give a specific example. Mini-conclusion.
4. Conclusion — restate your opinion in new words and summarise the two reasons.

Discussion essay (Discuss both views and give your opinion)

1. Introduction — paraphrase, mention both views, state your opinion.
2. Body 1 — discuss view A: topic sentence, explanation, example, brief evaluation.
3. Body 2 — discuss view B: topic sentence, explanation, example, then explain why your opinion sides with this view (or the other) and why.
4. Conclusion — restate your opinion, acknowledge the other side briefly.

Problem & solution essay

1. Introduction — paraphrase, identify the main problem and signal the solution.
2. Body 1 — explain the main cause(s) of the problem with one concrete example.
3. Body 2 — propose one realistic solution. Explain how it works and what result it produces.
4. Conclusion — restate the problem and the solution in fresh words.

Two-part / direct question essay

1. Introduction — paraphrase and signpost that you will answer both questions.
2. Body 1 — fully answer question 1 with reason + example.
3. Body 2 — fully answer question 2 with reason + example.
4. Conclusion — combined summary, no new ideas.

High-band sentence frames

Avoid these band-killers

• Memorised whole-paragraph templates — examiners spot them instantly.
• Personal pronoun overload (writing "I think" eight times).
• Listing reasons with bullets — Task 2 must be continuous prose.
• Going under 250 words — this caps your Task Response score.
• Spending more than 40 minutes (you also need time for Task 1).