IELTS Writing Process 2: Query Sorts


ielts writing task 2 question types - image by Magooshielts writing task 2 question types - image by Magoosh The IELTS Writing Process 2 requires you to jot down no less than 250 phrases expressing your perspective on a subject. However the query varieties for Process 2 range on each Tutorial and Normal Coaching. What number of sorts of Writing Process 2 in IELTS are there? There are 5 important IELTS Writing Process 2 query varieties: agree/disagree, benefits/disadvantages, two-part, trigger/resolution, and focus on either side. Click on on the hyperlinks under to entry a pattern query for every kind, with mannequin reply.

Understanding methods to establish and construction every IELTS Writing Process 2 query kind is without doubt one of the quickest methods to enhance your rating. Every kind requires a barely totally different method, and utilizing the improper construction can harm your Process Response rating—even when your English is robust.

On this information, you’ll study the 5 query varieties, methods to acknowledge every one immediately, and the precise construction to make use of for every. We’ll additionally cowl the widespread errors that price college students marks on every kind.

Understanding IELTS Writing Process 2 Query Sorts

IELTS Writing Process 2 provides you 40 minutes to jot down a 250+ phrase essay. This process counts for two-thirds of your Writing rating, so getting it proper issues.

Each Process 2 query falls into one in all 5 varieties:

Query KindThe way to Establish ItFrequency
Opinion (Agree/Disagree)“To what extent do you agree or disagree?”~25-30%
Dialogue“Focus on each views and provides your opinion”~20-25%
Benefits/Disadvantages“What are the benefits and drawbacks?”~20-25%
Downside/Answer“What are the causes and options?”~15-20%
Two-Half QueryTwo separate questions on one matter~10-15%

Vital: Each Tutorial and Normal Coaching use the identical Process 2 format and query varieties. The one distinction is in Process 1.

Professional tip: Spend the primary 1-2 minutes figuring out the query kind. Utilizing the improper construction is without doubt one of the commonest causes college students rating under Band 6 on Process Response.

How IELTS Writing Process 2 Is Scored

Your essay is marked on 4 standards, every price 25%:

  1. Process Response — Did you reply the query absolutely?
  2. Coherence and Cohesion — Is your essay organized logically?
  3. Lexical Useful resource — Did you utilize a spread of vocabulary precisely?
  4. Grammatical Vary and Accuracy — Did you utilize diversified sentence buildings accurately?

Understanding query varieties straight impacts your Process Response rating. In case you write a dialogue essay when the query asks on your opinion solely, you haven’t absolutely answered the query—and your rating will replicate that.

For a deeper dive into scoring, see our IELTS Writing Process 2 information.


Opinion Essays (Agree/Disagree)

Opinion essays are the most typical kind. You’ll be given an announcement and requested whether or not you agree or disagree with it.

The way to Establish This Query Kind

Search for these phrases:

  • “To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
  • “Do you agree or disagree?”
  • “What’s your opinion?”
  • “Do you assume it is a optimistic or unfavourable improvement?”

Instance immediate:

Some folks imagine that kids shouldn’t be given homework each day. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Essay Construction Template

Introduction (2-3 sentences)

  • Paraphrase the subject
  • State your place clearly

Physique Paragraph 1 (4-5 sentences)

  • First cause supporting your place
  • Rationalization + instance

Physique Paragraph 2 (4-5 sentences)

  • Second cause supporting your place
  • Rationalization + instance

Conclusion (2 sentences)

  • Restate your place
  • Summarize important causes

Pattern Introduction

The query of whether or not each day homework advantages college students is extensively debated. I strongly disagree with assigning homework each day, because it reduces time for different developmental actions and might result in pupil burnout.

Frequent Errors to Keep away from

  1. Sitting on the fence — Saying “there are benefits and drawbacks” with out taking a transparent place. Examiners wish to see your opinion.
  2. Altering your place — In case you agree within the introduction, don’t instantly disagree within the conclusion.
  3. Complicated “to what extent” with “focus on each views” — “To what extent” nonetheless requires YOUR opinion. You may partially agree, however you should be clear about your stance.

Band Rating Tip

For Band 7+, you may categorical partial settlement on “to what extent” questions. For instance: “Whereas I agree that homework has some advantages, I imagine each day assignments do extra hurt than good.” This exhibits nuanced pondering—simply be certain that your total place is evident.


Dialogue Essays (Focus on Each Views)

Dialogue essays require you to current either side of an argument earlier than giving your opinion (if requested).

The way to Establish This Query Kind

Search for:

  • “Focus on each views and provides your opinion”
  • “Focus on either side and provides your view”
  • “Some folks assume X, whereas others imagine Y. Focus on each views.”

Instance immediate:

Some folks assume that one of the simplest ways to scale back crime is to provide longer jail sentences. Others imagine there are higher methods to scale back crime. Focus on each views and provides your opinion.

Essay Construction Template

Introduction (2-3 sentences)

  • Paraphrase each viewpoints
  • State which view you assist (if opinion is requested)

Physique Paragraph 1 (4-5 sentences)

  • First viewpoint + causes/examples
  • Current this view pretty, even in the event you disagree

Physique Paragraph 2 (4-5 sentences)

  • Second viewpoint + causes/examples
  • Current this view pretty

Conclusion (2-3 sentences)

  • State your opinion clearly
  • Temporary abstract of why

Pattern Introduction

There may be ongoing debate about the best approaches to lowering crime. Whereas some advocate for longer jail sentences as a deterrent, others argue that prevention and rehabilitation applications are more practical. I imagine that addressing root causes of crime is in the end extra useful than prolonged incarceration.

Frequent Errors to Keep away from

  1. Forgetting to provide your opinion — If the query says “give your opinion,” you MUST embrace it. Leaving it out considerably hurts your Process Response rating.
  2. Unbalanced dialogue — Don’t write 150 phrases on one view and 50 phrases on the opposite. Give roughly equal remedy to either side.
  3. Being biased within the “different” view — When presenting the view you disagree with, use impartial language. Don’t say “Some folks foolishly imagine…”

Band Rating Tip

Save your strongest arguments for the view you assist. Current the opposing view pretty however briefly, then develop your most well-liked view with extra element and higher examples.


Benefits and Disadvantages Essays

These essays ask you to look at the professionals and cons of a state of affairs, development, or proposal.

The way to Establish This Query Kind

Search for:

  • “What are the benefits and drawbacks?”
  • “Focus on the benefits and drawbacks”
  • “Do the benefits outweigh the disadvantages?”

Vital distinction:

  • “What are the benefits and drawbacks?” = No opinion wanted
  • “Do the benefits outweigh the disadvantages?” = Opinion required

Instance immediate:

An increasing number of individuals are working from house. What are the benefits and drawbacks of this development?

Essay Construction Template

Introduction (2-3 sentences)

  • Paraphrase the subject
  • State that you’ll focus on either side (add opinion if “outweigh” query)

Physique Paragraph 1: Benefits (4-5 sentences)

  • 2 benefits with explanations and examples

Physique Paragraph 2: Disadvantages (4-5 sentences)

  • 2 disadvantages with explanations and examples

Conclusion (2-3 sentences)

  • Summarize key factors
  • Give opinion provided that query asks “outweigh”

Pattern Introduction (for “outweigh” query)

Distant work has turn out to be more and more widespread lately. Whereas working from house provides vital advantages resembling flexibility and lowered commuting, I imagine the disadvantages—together with isolation and blurred work-life boundaries—outweigh these benefits for many staff.

Frequent Errors to Keep away from

  1. Giving an opinion when not requested — If the query solely asks for benefits and drawbacks, you don’t have to say which is stronger. Nonetheless, giving a short opinion within the conclusion gained’t harm you.
  2. Itemizing with out explaining — Don’t simply checklist “flexibility, no commute, consolation.” Every level wants 1-2 sentences of rationalization.
  3. Mixing benefits and drawbacks in a single paragraph — Hold them clearly separated for higher coherence.

Band Rating Tip

High quality over amount. Two well-developed benefits are higher than 4 superficial ones. Intention for clear matter sentences like “One vital benefit is…” and “Alternatively, a significant disadvantage is…”


Downside and Answer Essays

These essays ask you to establish causes of an issue and suggest options.

The way to Establish This Query Kind

Search for:

  • “What are the causes and options?”
  • “What issues does this trigger, and the way can they be solved?”
  • “Why is that this taking place, and what measures might be taken?”

Instance immediate:

In lots of nations, plastic waste is a rising environmental downside. What are the causes of this concern, and what options are you able to recommend?

Essay Construction Template

Introduction (2-3 sentences)

  • Paraphrase the issue
  • State that you’ll focus on causes and options

Physique Paragraph 1: Causes (4-5 sentences)

  • 2 important causes with explanations

Physique Paragraph 2: Options (4-5 sentences)

  • 2 options that tackle the causes

Conclusion (2 sentences)

  • Summarize the problem
  • Specific hope or emphasize significance of motion

Pattern Physique Paragraph (Options)

A number of measures may assist tackle this downside. Governments may implement stricter rules on single-use plastics and put money into recycling infrastructure. On a person stage, customers can cut back their plastic consumption by selecting reusable options. If each public coverage and private habits change, vital progress is feasible.

Frequent Errors to Keep away from

  1. Unrealistic options — “Governments ought to ban all plastic” isn’t sensible. Suggest achievable options.
  2. Options that don’t match causes — In case you establish “lack of schooling” as a trigger, one resolution ought to contain schooling.
  3. Unbalanced protection — Don’t write extensively about causes after which rush by way of options in 2 sentences.

Band Rating Tip

Join your options to your causes. If client demand is a trigger, then altering client conduct must be a part of the answer. This exhibits logical pondering and boosts your Coherence rating.


Two-Half Query Essays

Two-part essays offer you a subject adopted by two distinct questions. Each should be answered absolutely.

The way to Establish This Query Kind

Search for two separate questions, typically together with:

  • “Why…? Do you assume…?”
  • “What…? How…?”
  • “Why…? What…?”

Instance immediate:

Many younger folks right this moment are selecting to not study to drive. Why is that this taking place? Is that this a optimistic or unfavourable improvement?

Essay Construction Template

Introduction (2-3 sentences)

  • Paraphrase the subject
  • Briefly preview your solutions to each questions

Physique Paragraph 1 (4-5 sentences)

  • Reply the primary query absolutely

Physique Paragraph 2 (4-5 sentences)

  • Reply the second query absolutely

Conclusion (2 sentences)

Frequent Errors to Keep away from

  1. Solely answering one query — That is the largest mistake. In case you ignore half the query, you may’t rating above Band 5 on Process Response.
  2. Unequal remedy — Give roughly equal depth to each questions.
  3. Treating it as a special essay kind — Don’t flip it right into a pure benefits/disadvantages essay if that’s not what’s requested.

Band Rating Tip

Use clear signposting: “There are a number of the reason why younger individuals are avoiding driving…” and “In my opinion, this development is basically optimistic as a result of…” This helps the examiner see you’ve addressed each components.


Fast Reference: Query Kind Identification Cheat Sheet

If You See…It’s a…Key Requirement
“agree or disagree”Opinion EssayState and defend YOUR place
“focus on each views”Dialogue EssayCurrent either side pretty
“benefits and drawbacks”Adv/Disadv EssayCowl each professionals and cons
“causes and options”Downside/Answer EssayEstablish causes AND suggest fixes
Two separate questionsTwo-Half EssayReply BOTH questions absolutely

Which Query Kind Ought to You Observe Most?

In case you’re quick on time, prioritize Opinion and Dialogue essays—they seem most continuously and share related buildings.

Nonetheless, don’t ignore the others. The worst consequence is going through an unfamiliar query kind on check day.

A balanced follow method:

  1. Grasp Opinion essays first (commonest)
  2. Observe Dialogue essays subsequent (related construction, provides complexity)
  3. Work by way of Benefits/Disadvantages and Downside/Answer
  4. Don’t neglect Two-Half questions (much less widespread however difficult)

Professional tip: In case you’re making ready for IELTS on pc, do not forget that One Ability Retake is accessible—you may retake simply the Writing part inside 60 days if wanted.

For structured follow with suggestions in your essays, Magoosh IELTS Prep consists of Writing and Talking assessments with skilled suggestions, plus 10 full mock checks.


FAQs About IELTS Writing Process 2 Query Sorts

Can query varieties be mixed?

Hardly ever, however sure. You would possibly see “What are the causes of this downside, and do you assume the federal government or people must be answerable for fixing it?” This combines Downside/Answer with a Two-Half construction. When doubtful, ensure you reply each query requested.

Is one query kind tougher than one other?

Not inherently. The problem depends upon the subject, not the kind. Nonetheless, many college students discover Two-Half questions difficult as a result of they require managing two distinct solutions inside the phrase restrict.

Does Tutorial vs. Normal Coaching have totally different query varieties?

No. Each variations use the identical 5 query varieties for Process 2. The one distinction between Tutorial and Normal Coaching is in Process 1.

What if I can’t establish the query kind?

Learn the query rigorously and search for the important thing phrases in our cheat sheet above. In case you’re nonetheless uncertain, deal with answering precisely what the query asks—that’s what issues most for Process Response.

How lengthy ought to I spend on every part?

For many query varieties:

  • Planning: 5 minutes
  • Writing: half-hour
  • Reviewing: 5 minutes

This offers you time to establish the query kind, plan your response, and test for errors.

  • David RecineDavid Recine

    David is a Check Prep Skilled for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Moreover, he’s helped college students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT.

    David has a BS from the College of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the College of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles, his Grasp’s Thesis is featured on the Studying with Footage web site, and he’s offered on the WITESOL (hyperlink to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught Okay-12 ESL in South Korea in addition to undergraduate English and MBA-level enterprise English at American universities. He has additionally skilled English lecturers in America, Italy, and Peru.

    Come be a part of David and the Magoosh staff on Youtube, Fb, and Instagram, or join with him through LinkedIn!



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