The five kinds of Task 2 question
A plan for each — and the part of the question people forget.
15 minutes · A free lesson from Writing: more Task 1 and every Task 2 type
| Question | Example | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | To what extent do you agree or disagree? | Your position in the introduction; two or three reasons; the same position in the conclusion. |
| Discussion | Discuss both views and give your own opinion. | One paragraph for each view, and your opinion — stated clearly. |
| Advantages and disadvantages | Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? | Both sides, then a clear judgement: they do, or they do not. |
| Problem and solution | What are the causes? What measures could be taken? | One paragraph of causes (or problems), one of solutions linked to them. |
| Two-part question | Why do they do this? Is it positive or negative? | Answer each question in its own paragraph. |
Quick check: "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" What must your essay include?
- only the advantages
- both sides and a clear judgement
- a list of solutions
Show the answer
B: both sides and a clear judgement
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: “Discuss both views and give your own opinion.” What do people often forget?
- The first view
- Their own opinion
- The introduction
Show the answer
B: Their own opinion — Discussing both views without giving your own is one of the commonest reasons for a low Task Response score.
Quick check: “Why do people move to cities? Is this positive or negative?” How should you answer?
- Answer each question in its own paragraph
- Answer only the first question
- Write one paragraph about cities in general
Show the answer
A: Answer each question in its own paragraph — A two-part question needs both parts answered.
Quick check: How should you plan a problem and solution essay?
- Solutions only
- A list of problems with no solutions
- One paragraph of causes or problems, and one of solutions linked to them
Show the answer
C: One paragraph of causes or problems, and one of solutions linked to them — Link each solution to a problem you have explained.
Quick check: Where does your position go in an opinion essay?
- Only in the conclusion
- Nowhere: stay neutral
- In the introduction, and the same position in the conclusion
Show the answer
C: In the introduction, and the same position in the conclusion — State it early, keep it, and finish with it.
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now