IELTS Essay Structures
Knowing how to structure your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay is an essential skill that can make the difference between the getting and not getting the band score you deserve. With that in mind, we have outlined the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 structures below.
Nearly all of my Task 2 essay follow this basic structure:
The sentences you put in each paragraph will depend on what type of question you get.
The five most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are:
- Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
- Advantages and Disadvantages
- Problem and Solution
- Discussion (Discuss both view)
- Two-part Question
Below I will outline examples and a structure approved by experienced IELTS teachers and examiners for each type of question. This will help you write a clear, coherent answer and hopefully boost your IELTS band score. I also include an example answer for each type of question so you can see what the structure looks like in a real essay.
Please note that these are general structures and they may vary slightly depending on the particular question.
Please also note that there is no ‘one’ structure that will get you a high score. There are many types of structures that can get you a high score. These are just the ones I think are most effective and easiest to learn.
For more detailed guidance on each type of question please visit the lessons below. I have provided a link at the end of each section.
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?
Direct question.
Example Question–
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching sports to younger children).
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Structure
Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question
Sentence 2- Thesis Statement (It is agreed…/It is disagreed…/This essay agrees/disagrees…)
Sentence 3- Outline Sentence (This essay will discuss….)
Main Body Paragraph 1
Sentence 1- Topic Sentence
Sentence 2- Explain Topic Sentence
Sentence 3- Example
Main Body Paragraph 2
Sentence 1- Topic Sentence
Sentence 2- Explain Topic Sentence
Sentence 3- Example
Sentence 1- Summary and opinion
Sample Answer
t is argued that volunteering should be made part of the school curriculum. This essay agrees with that suggestion completely because of the benefits it brings to pupils. The essay will first look at how voluntary work can help students develop soft skills and then discuss how these extracurricular activities are valued by universities and employers.
Education should not be limited to strictly academic pursuits and those in education should also develop life skills, such as teamwork, empathy and self-discipline, and one of the best ways to hone these aptitudes is through community service. Serving those less fortunate than ourselves teaches us many lessons including how to work with people from other backgrounds and the value of hard work. For example, I personally volunteered to spend 6 weeks in Africa teaching disadvantaged children and this led to a much higher work ethic when I returned to my studies.
Many colleges and companies are also increasingly looking for this type of experience. Most school leavers have the same grades and charitable works can help set you apart from the herd. For example, Cambridge and Oxford receive thousands of applications from straight-A students every year and can only accept a small percentage of applicants. What you have done outside the classroom is often the thing that differentiates you from everyone else and gets you that coveted spot.
In conclusion, teenagers should be made to partake in unpaid work as part of their schooling because it will help them learn things they wouldn’t ordinarily learn from their teachers and it will also boost their chances of getting into third level education.
For more detail on how to answer agree or disagree questions please visit our opinion essay lesson.
Need help writing essays like this? Check out our ESSAY CORRECTION SERVICE.
Advantages and Disadvantages Questions
Typical Question Words
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.
Example Question
Computers are being used more and more in education.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.
Structure
Introduction
Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question
Sentence 2- Outline Sentence
Main Body Paragraph 1
Sentence 1- State One Advantage
Sentence 2- Expand/Explain Advantage
Sentence 3- Example
Sentence 4- Result
Main Body Paragraph 2
Sentence 1- State One Disadvantage
Sentence 2- Expand/Explain Disadvantage
Sentence 3- Example
Sentence 4- Result
Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary
Sentence 2- Opinion
Sample Answer
It is argued that technology is playing an every increasing role in schools and universities. This essay will firstly, discuss student freedom as one of the main advantages of this and secondly, outline decreasing levels of face to face contact as one of the main disadvantages.
One of the principle advantages of an increase in the use electronic devices in education is the autonomy it provides students. Students have the freedom to focus on whatever topic or subject they want and study it in depth through the internet. A prime example of this is the amount of online university courses available to students, covering a myriad of subjects, that up until recently were unavailable to most learners. This has resulted in more people studying third level degrees than ever before, at a pace and schedule that suits them.
The main disadvantage associated with increasing use of technology in education is the decrease in face to face interaction between students. Students spend more time looking at computer screens by themselves than interacting with each other. For instance, the recent explosion in smartphone use has been at the expense of genuine human interaction. This results in soft skills, such as verbal communication and empathy, being affected.
In conclusion, the benefits technology brings to education, such as student autonomy, must be weighed against the drawbacks, such as negative effects on human interaction. Overall, the educational benefits outweigh the disadvantages because human beings will always want human contact and most people will not solely use IT for education.
For more detail on how to answer advantage and disadvantage questions please visit our advantage and disadvantage lesson.
Discuss Both Views Question (Discussion Essay)
Typical Question Words
Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.
Example Question
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.
Structure
Introduction
Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question and/or state both viewpoints.
Sentence 2- Thesis Statement
Sentence 3- Outline Sentence
Main Body Paragraph 1
Sentence 1- State first viewpoint
Sentence 2- Discuss first viewpoint
Sentence 3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint
Sentence 4- Example to support your view
Main Body Paragraph 2
Sentence 1- State second viewpoint
Sentence 2- Discuss second viewpoint
Sentence 3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint
Sentence 4- Example to support your view
Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary
Sentence 2- State which one is better or more important
Sample Answer
There is an ever increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the classroom. It is often argued that this is a positive development, whilst others disagree and think it will lead to adverse ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in technology is beneficial to students and teachers. This essay will discuss both points of view.
It is clear that the Internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before. Moreover, learners have the ability to research and learn about any subject at the touch of a button. It is therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for education. Wikipedia is a prime example, where students can simply type in any keyword and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.
However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. Human interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Despite this, human interaction is still possible through the internet and this essay disagrees technology should be dismissed for this reason. For instance, Skype and Facebook make it possible for people to interact in ways that were never before possible.
While the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap into limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomena and not allow it to curb face to face interaction. However, as long as we are careful to keep in mind the importance of human interaction in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive.
For more detail on how to answer discussion questions please visit our discussion essay lesson.
Problem and Solution Questions
Typical Question Words
Problem and solution.
Cause and solution.
Example Question
Students are becoming more and more reliant on computers.
What are some of the problems associated with reliance on computers, and what are some of the possible solutions?
Structure
Introduction
Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question
Sentence 2- Outline Sentence
Main Body Paragraph 1
Sentence 1- State Problem
Sentence 2- Explain problem
Sentence 3- Result
Sentence 4- Example
Main Body Paragraph 2
Sentence 1- State Solution
Sentence 2- Explain Solution
Sentence 3- Example
Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary
Sentence 2- Recommendation or Prediction
Sample Answer
Learners are becoming ever more dependent on technology, such as the Internet and mobile devices. This essay will discuss one of the main problems associated with dependence on computers and suggest a viable solution.
The principal problem with over-reliance on technology, such as tablets and computers, is plagiarism. Students often use search engines to answer a question and simply copy the text from a website, rather than thinking about the question. This practice is not only prohibited in schools and universities but also stunts a student’s intellectual development. For example, many teachers complain that students copy web pages straight from Wikipedia word for word rather than giving a reasoned answer to their questions.
A solution to this worrying problem is asking students to email their answers to teachers and teachers using anti-plagiarism software to detect copying. Moreover, students would be made aware of this practice and this would inspire them to answer questions using their own words, rather than someone else’s. For instance, many universities already use this kind software to scan course work for plagiarism and it could be extended to include all homework, by learners in both secondary and tertiary education.
In summary, one of the main problems with over-use of technology in education is plagiarism and this can be solved through the use of plagiarism detection software. It is predicted that more and more students’ will email their work to their teacher and this work will be scrutinised for plagiarism.
For more detail on how to answer problem and solution questions please visit our problem and solution lesson.
Two-Part Questions
Typical Question Words
There will normally be a statement and they will then ask you to answer to separate questions.
Example Question
As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.
What factors contribute to job satisfaction?
How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?
Structure
Introduction
Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question
Sentence 2- Outline Sentence (mention both questions)
Main Body Paragraph 1
Sentence 1- Answer first question directly
Sentence 2- Explain why
Sentence 3- Further explain
Sentence 4- Example
Main Body Paragraph 2
Sentence 1- Answer second question directly
Sentence 2- Explain why
Sentence 3- Further explain
Sentence 4- Example
Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary
Sample Answer
As the majority of adults spend most of their time at work, being content with your career is a crucial part of a person’s health and happiness. This essay will first discuss which elements lead to job satisfaction and it will then address the question of how likely it is that everyone can be happy with their job.
The two most important things that lead to someone being satisfied at work are being treated with respect by managers and being compensated fairly. If those more senior than you respect you as a person and the job you are doing then you feel like you are valued. A fair salary and benefits are also important considerations because if you feel you are being underpaid you will either resent your bosses or look for another job. There two factors came top of a recent job satisfaction survey conducted by Monster.com, that found that 72% of people were pleased with their current role if their superiors regularly told them they were appreciated.
With regards to the question of happiness for all workers, I think this is and always will be highly unlikely. The vast majority of people fail to reach their goals and end up working in a post they don’t really care about in return for a salary. This money is just enough to pay their living expenses which often means they are trapped in a cycle of disenchantment. For example, The Times recently reported that 89% of office workers would leave their jobs if they did not need the money.
In conclusion, being satisfied with your trade or profession is an important part of one’s well-being and respect from one’s colleagues and fair pay can improve your level of happiness, however, job satisfaction of all workers is an unrealistic prospect.
Can I get a band 8 or 9 following these structures?
Nobody can give you a structure that guarantees you a high score. You score is dependent on how good your grammar and vocabulary is and how well you answer the question. A good structure will help you answer the question to some extent and boost your score for coherence and cohesion, but you must use relevant ideas and use these ideas well to answer the question.
Next Steps
Looking for some sample questions? Here are over 100 sample questions from past exam papers.
I hope you found this article useful. Now that you know the structures you should check out our task 2 sample answers to see how they have been used in practice.
Would you like me to check your essay and tell you how to improve? Check out our essay correction service.
The best way to keep up to date with more great posts like this and to access loads of practice exercises is to like us on Facebook.
For more help with IELTS please check out IELTS Preparation– The Ultimate Guide.
Leo says
Thank you so much for your studies.
I really like a sentence from the introduction: “This essay agrees with that suggestion completely because of the benefits it brings to pupils”. But how should I rephrase it in cace I disagree with the statement? Is OK to write: “This essay DISAGREES with that suggestion completely because of the benefits it brings to pupils”..?
Galal says
I would be very thankful if you can provide us with an example for the question type “Two-part Question” the same as you did in the other types
IELTS Lover says
This is a very good essay.
Dmc says
This is great! Very simple and easy to understand. I hope to do some more practice using the tips here. Thank you!
Bhavin says
Hi Chris, thank you for creating such a great site. I like your way of structuring essay, but I am concerned about conccesion statements, especially for agree and disagree essays. Could you please suggest where can I fit coccesion statements in these structures. Thank you
Christopher Pell says
Don’t worry about concessions in opinion essays.
Tina says
Hello Chris,
I really like your website since it explains in detail and not confusing at all.
Anyway, I want to ask about writing Task 2. Is it possible for us to include data that we once read from a website as a supporting detail / example for our argument? (For example: According to X website, over 60% of people are……)
Also, does it matter if we actually just make up those data and the source?
Thank you very much. Hope to hear from you! 🙂
Dev says
Hi Chris – I quite liked the detailed structure you suggested for the various sentences to be framed within introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion for task-2.
I notice that for the “Advantages/Disadvantages” type of question, you have NOT mentioned to put a thesis statement. Since these type of questions explicitly ask for your opinion, shouldn’t a thesis statement required here (just like ‘Agree/Disagree’ or ‘Both Views’ question types)..?
cheers,
Dev
Ash says
Hi Chris.
Your website really helped me a lot. Your structure on IELTS writing task 2 is great, we just have to put sentences according to the structure. I wonder if you could post 5 sample answers for each kind of task 2. Because real examples are needed when practicing.
Thanks
perry says
Hi Chris! I have been preparing for my IELTS this Septemeber. I have been practicing with your tips with some from my previous review center. I was just wondering if what would be your general assessment on this essay I made. Your comment for this one would be really appreciated.
People are working everyday to satisfy and to fill in their daily needs. On the other hand, job satisfaction plays as a significant issue behind those exhausting working hours. This essay will talk about couple of factors affecting job satisfaction for every individual as well as how possible to incorporate an exemplary satisfaction for every worker.
The first factor that came into my mind that will contribute to job satisfaction of individuals is the working environment. Workplace is an important factor in accomplishing one’s task, and if this mentioned factor fails, then it would mean an unproductive worker. The prime example of this statement is attitude of workmates that someone is dealing with every day, and also the availability of resources to finish someone’s work at given time. These would interfere on both company and employee’s growth.
The second factor which is common and needs to be pointed out is the monetary compensation for every employee. Basic wages and excellent bonus commissions speak, somehow, to motivate workers to stay in the company and probably work harder. In the Philippines, most of the registered nurses are aspiring to work abroad, because they believe that they will benefit better compensation than in their home country.
Unfortunately, job satisfaction is currently poor in most establishments. Studies show that workers nowadays are unsatisfied with their work. Employees kept on seeking for additional wage increase as well as demands for justifiable benefits such as health insurance and pension. Indeed, everyone’s needs and wants are also getting higher in relation to their status in lives.
I conclude that the hectic schedule and demand of workforce in a certain company should be accompanied with satisfying monetary compensations and good working environment for employees. It would boost morale and may work harder if necessary.
Sergei says
Hello Chris,
Thank you for a very useful article: it is up to the point.
But what I have noticed after reading it is that ‘I’ is omitted in the word ‘It’ at the beginning of the first sentence in Sample Answer in Opinion Questions.
Also, it seems to me you wanted to say ‘straight A-students’ in the same Sample Answer instead of ‘straight-A students’.
Then in Advantages and Disadvantages in Sample Answer it should be ‘One of the principal advantages’ instead of ‘One of the principle advantages’ as ‘principal’ is an adjective.
As for the sentence ‘This results in soft skills being effected’, I guess it should be ‘affected’ not ‘effected’.
My pointing these typos means I always read your articles very carefully – they have taught me a lot and are definitely worth reading.
Tahia Tabassum says
This website has helped me a lot! At first I was confused on how to improve my writing, but the essay structures here have worked wonders!
Please keep posting such amazing content Chris,
Thanks
perry says
this is very helpful… thanks a lot… i already got 2 review centers and one lacking strategy on them is band 9 writing tasks samples… i just really hope to get a better score this coming september..
God bless!
AL-AMEEN AL-AZZAWI says
Seriously valuable info.
Claire says
Hi Chris,
I have a question here. If the conclusion is irrelevant to the question, how will it influence the marking?
The essay question on 9/7/16 is:
Today’s children are spending more time in watching television rather than active or creative things. What are the causes and solution?
As i wrote my essay:
Intro
Main 1: Topic sentence + 2 x extended ideas ( i put “firstly, and secondly”)
Main 2: Apart of this,… (another topic sentence and supporting idea)
Main 3: Solutions
Conclusion: in summary, children who engaged in active and creative activities are of more benefits instead of watching TV programs at home.
Overall, this is my Task 2 essay. How will the task achievement be like? I worry i will score kind of low in this section because my conclusion seems off topic!!
Please help me clarify! Thanks!
Morris says
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your wonderful posts. What’s the thesis statement in your adv/disadv essay? In your previous post you said that when the adv/disadv essay asks for our opinion we have to add the thesis statement which is our opinion about the topic. However, the adv/disadv essay in this page doesn’t have a thesis statement.
SANDRA says
Thank you for this wonderful website.
I have a question in Two parts essay question, is it important to write an answer to question 1 in paragraph. A and question 2 in Para.B. do I get penalised for that in task achievement.?
Thanks
fredy thambi says
Thank you for your wonderful website,
sir, what if the question is asking “whether a positive development or negative development”.
Christopher Pell says
Then answer it like an opinion essay. Pick one side and state two reasons why you think that.
Ravil says
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your website.
In model answers reference to a specific research is often used. For example, as in your Two-part question essay.
For me, it is the easiest way to make your answer well-supported, but I can’t have a research reference for every possible question and sometimes, even if I know that there is a research on this topic I don’t remember the exact numbers from it.
Is it ok to invent (think up) a research or invent the results of it to support your answer?
Christopher Pell says
Yes, it is totally fine to simply invent the results. Just make sure they are believable.
Ravil says
And what if examiner will check and find out that there were no such research?
Christopher Pell says
They won’t check them and even if they did it wouldn’t matter. It is not a test of facts, it is a test of English.
rita ngozi says
Hello this your essay explanation has being helpful please can you also give tips for reading, listening and speaking.
Ramu says
Thank you for your website,
Sir, I have seen your writing task-2 it was excellent, I have doubt sir,
how to answer this type of question can you suggest me.
If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change? use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
Christopher Pell says
Hi. This is not a real IELTS question. You would never get asked this type of question in the Writing test. Thanks.
Ramu says
thank you sir
Alex says
I’m new here and I would like to express my profound respect to your site, Christopher, and to you personally for your every effort to make this site useful and informative. Your aim is vital for our success, indeed! It helped me in achieving my IELTS band 7, thanks to essays’ structures you’ve explained in details. Although, I’ve something to ask you. Will you be so kind to tell me briefly what type of question does this topic has and what structure essay should follow?
“Safety standards are important when building people’s homes. Who should be responsible for enforcing strict building codes – the government or the people who build the homes?
Use your own knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.”
Thank you in advance for your time!
Christopher Pell says
It is an opinion question. It is asking your opinion about the question. Thanks.
Sandy says
Thank you for your website,
Please sir, in writing concession, does it not look like you are writing both sides of the argument?
PJL says
this is really a big help! simple yet it will guide the students to organize your answer!! thank you!
shubham says
sir
can i write this pattern of introduction in idp ielts exam as well. i’ve confusion regarding the same can you tell me what will be good for me to good marks in my ielts exam.
Vince says
Hi,
I note the question above does ask for our opinion, so I suppose we should give one ? “Discuss the advantages of both methods and give your own opinion.”
Christopher Pell says
Yes, if the question asks for your opinion, you should give one.
Vince says
Hi Chris,
Can you please explain what is the difference between a thesis statement and an outline sentence. I went through all your pages and you said that we should include a thesis statement as this will relate to the ‘task responses criteria”. However, in your picture above for essay structures, adv and dis adv and problem and solution does not have a thesis statement in their introductions.
Please clarify
Thanks
Vince
Christopher Pell says
A thesis statement is your opinion. When the question asks for your opinion you write a thesis statement, but sometimes, like for ad/dis questions or pro/sol questions, it doesn’t ask for your opinion so you don’t write one. Hope that helps.
Thong Dao says
Hello
First thanks to your structure, my mind went through all types of task 2.
But, in main body 2 of two-part question, I think it should be ” answer the second question directly” , doesn’t it?
Christopher Pell says
Hi Thong. Thanks for pointing out this mistake. I have corrected it. I appreciate your feedback. Chris.
Romeo says
I would like to ask for a piece of advice for this essay. I’ll write some ideas which are relevant for this essay. Could you identify which ideas are relevant for this question?
Some people believe that it is fairer to assess a student’s ability based on their performance during the whole course rather than giving a formal examination at the end of the course.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Here is my answer. Which ideas are relevant for this kind of question?
a) Suggestions in terms of the most effective way how to test student’s ability
b) Students prefer testing according to their performance
c) Pros and cons of giving a formal examination in the final evaluation
d) Giving examination make students out of the classroom.
e) The best way assessing should be student’s skill depend on their activities’.
Thanks a million.
Christopher Pell says
Pick one side and argue in favour of that side. Say why it is most effective and the other is not.
Feri says
In the “Advantages and Disadvantages Questions” sample, you mentioned that “Computers are being used more and more in education. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.”.
Where do you give your own opinion?
AND
In the “Discuss Both Views Question (Discussion Essay)”, the question asked to discuss about “Computer”, but you focused on the “Internet”. Is it OK? Could you explain it please?
I found this invaluable website yesterday and you have no idea how it is helpful 😉
Thank you very much.
Christopher Pell says
You can’t use the internet without a computer and 90% of computer functions require the internet.
Thais and Leandro says
Hi ! I have some doubt about a writing task 2. This is the question:
In most developed countries shopping is not only about buying the goods you need, it is also perceived as entertainment. Is it a positive or negative development? Give your own opinion and examples based on your experience.
Should I write about the positive side of shopping as an entertainment (like been a therapy or relax) or should I write about the positive side of increase shopping (increase the number of hiring/develop the economy)?
Christopher Pell says
Thanks for your question. I would stick with your first point because it is more relevant to the question.
Andrews says
Thanks for replying.
Assuming the question is “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages”. Will I lose marks if I write my opinion even if the question does not ask it?
Christopher Pell says
If the question doesn’t ask for your opinion you don’t need to give it.
Hope that helps. Thanks, Chris.
mehsamali says
This type of questions does not require a thesis statement because you’re not being asked for your opinion (Which we state as a thesis statement in other type of questions). So you can only pasaphrase the question and then write the outline in which you’d state the advantages and then whatever points you’re going to propose in the latter half of the essay. On the other hand, the conclussion will contain a summary of everything you’ve discussed above and you could also prognosticate the future accordingly.
I hope it helps. That’s what I’ve learned so far, from this amazing website and its master, Mr. Christopher Pell.
Christopher Pell says
Thanks for your feedback.
Anonymous says
Some people believe that teaching children at home is best for a child’s development while others think that it is important for children to go to school. Discuss the advantages of both methods and give your own opinion.
————————————————————————————————————————–
The argument of whether schooling is best done at home or school has not been settled yet. Ultimately, it is believed that it is crucial for a child to be educated in school. Firstly, this essay will evaluate the benefits of both approaches and secondly, the author will present his opinion on the matter.
Is this a good introduction for this type of question?
Anonymous says
Sometimes, you will be asked to discuss the advantages of two solutions to a problem and present your opinion. How do you answer this question? I know I’ll paraphrase the question. What do I write in the thesis statement? and do I have to pick one solution over the other in the final paragraph?
Christopher Pell says
Hi.
Can you give me an example question. Thanks.
joi says
Oh yes, you are right I have missed the “only” word. Thank you for your comment. Your website is a genius it helps a lot.
Andrews says
Hello Christopher,
Thanks for sharing all these valuable information (I really like the way you organize the articles). It’s being very handy for me.
May I ask you two question:
1) After reading this page, I noticed that you hardly ever user “first person narrative”. Do you have any concerns about this?
I usually use “first person” in my thesis statement. For instance: “I totally agree with this argument because…”.
2) When the question is “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages”, should I write my option in the conclusion?
Since it is not asking for my option, I normally don’t to write.
Cheers.
Christopher Pell says
Thanks for your comment.
It is fine to use the first person to give your opinion but I would not use it too often because the essay could become a little bit too informal.
If the question doesn’t ask for your opinion then there is no need to give it.
joi says
Hi Mr. Pell,
Kindly check my Writing task 2 please with the help of your formula. And what band might I get if I answer this way? Many thanks for your help.
WT2 question:
Some people say that the education system is the only critical factor in the development of a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement.
My essay:
The foundation of educational strategy is the most vital component in the improvement of the nation. It is strongly agreed, that a solid educational foundation will boost the nation to a better way of living. This essay will discuss, firstly the affordability of education and secondly the superior way of learning.
The demand to access free education brings an opportunity to all. It gives encouragement to many people to pursue the dreams they like to achieve without any trouble in financial aspect, hence be one of the nations’ weapon to progress. For instance, the survey conducted by University of Cambridge in 2010, U.K educational statistics reported that there was an increase rate of students enrolled in healthcare courses due to its free offer of education which enables them to qualify for bursary awards that will ease financial problem throughout the course. As a result, it will help the NHS trust in the future to fulfil the vacancies left in most of the healthcare sectors and eventually build ups the highest standard of care.
Moreover, the quality of education is essential to reach a better goal. The educational support from the teachers is important as well as providing advanced facilities are greatly needed to enhance the skills and knowledge in education. For example, a more advanced microscopes must be provided at school for research analysis. In this way, it is easier to understand how the minute organisms and viruses can migrate and infect one healthy human being. Therefore, it enables the student to understand and come up for an extra ordinary solution.
In conclusion, the nations ability to support educational organisation and provide affordable education as well as supporting educational institution for more advance technology is more vital to nations progression.
Christopher Pell says
Hi Joi. Thanks for your answer. I do not give detailed feedback on essays because I receive so many from people every day, but let me give you some quick feedback.
Have you answered the question? The keyword here is ‘only’. That means that you have to address if education is the one and only factor i.e. there are no others. Without specifically mentioning this I don’t think you have answered the question. You structure, grammar and vocabulary and solid but try again by answering the question.
Thanks, I hope this helps.
Rei says
hi,,is it okay not to write thesis statement in the introduction, others said that writing thesis will make your paragraph redundant. How true is that?
Christopher Pell says
Hi Rei. Thanks for you comment. I’m not sure what you mean about making it redundant. I always advise my students to write it in the introduction. Chris.
Rei says
The other way to write thesis which is being taught to us is, for example “It is agreed that an increase in technology is beneficial to students and teachers due to the following reason, reason 1 & reason 2 and this will be discussed below”, however as i used this technique to the other ielts reviewer, they said that thesis is really not important, because you are giving idea on what to discuss in your body..hook and background is much more important.
Christopher Pell says
I would have to disagree with that advice. The IELTS Task 2 band descriptors do not require a hook or background, but it does require you to give your opinion for questions that ask you to give it (thesis statement).
I discourage my students from writing a hook and background because it adds nothing to the essay in terms of marks. Paraphrasing the question, thesis statements and outline statements are three things that the examiners are actually looking for.
It all depends on the question of course. Each question requires a different approach.
Have a chat with your teacher and ask them to explain it in terms of the marking scheme. Here is a link- http://www.ielts.org/pdf/uobds_writingt2.pdf
If you have any more questions just let me know.
Celina says
In writing task 2, I have never practiced using outline sentence in introduction. How important is this? It will be helpful for me to score my writing, cause I have always doubt if my writing meets the criterion for ielts writing.
p.s your website had helped me many ways. Thank you,
Christopher Pell says
Hi Celina. It is not essential but I think it really helps my students with their answers. It tells the examiner exactly what the essay is about, making it clearer for them and easier to read and this boosts scores for coherence and cohesion. It also helps students focus on the question and structure the rest of the essay which is always a good thing. Hope this helps.