Opinion Essays 2 Discussion Essays

Essay Structure

1) Introduction

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  Paraphrase the question
  
• 
  Give your opinion
  
• 
  State two supporting reasons
  

2) Main body paragraph 1 – Negative Viewpoint

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  Topic sentence – outline the view you don’t agree with
  
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  Explanation – explain why this view is held by some people
  
• 
  Example – give an example
  

3) Main body paragraph 2 – Positive Viewpoint

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  Topic sentence – outline the view you do agree with
  
• 
  Explanation – explain why this view is held by some people
  
• 
  Example – give an example
  

4) Conclusion

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  Summarise the key points and state your opinion
  

3) Problem Essays 

These are sometimes called ‘causes and solutions’ or ‘problems and solutions’ essays. This type of IELTS Task 2 question starts with a statement, then asks you to discuss the problems or causes and the solutions.

Key tips:

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  Don’t list lots of causes and solutions.
  

• 
  Choose just one or two and develop them fully.
  

• 
  Be sure to link each problem/cause and its solution.
  

A common mistake is for candidates to list all the problems/causes and solutions they can think of, not necessarily linking them together. They also fail to explain any of them in detail and don’t include any examples.

The wording of this type of essay question can vary considerably. Here are 3 examples of problem essay questions:

Essay Structure