Module 5 – Writing Task 2

Unit 1 – Writing Task 2 Introduction

Objective of this Unit: To understand what writing task 2 is.

What Is Writing Task 2?

Writing task 2 requires you to write a well-developed, supporting and complete essay covering a specific topic.

These topics can range from social and environmental, to government and law. There is no requirement for you to have in-depth knowledge about the topic of the question as the evaluators are not testing you on this.

The evaluators are testing you on how well you can write an essay that; answers the question, is easy to follow, is grammatically correct and uses good vocabulary.

Why Do Many People Find Task 2 Difficult?

This task is often over-complicated by many people simply because they are unsure how to write it correctly and in a way that the evaluators will give them a high score.

Most people have an idea of what they need to do by looking at example essays, however if you do not know how to identify and then formulate your answer correctly, it is difficult to achieve a high score.

Fortunately, there is a way to achieve a high score by following key instructions and tips so you can provide the IELTS evaluators with exactly what they want.

Unit 2 – Developing A System For Your Essay

Objective of this Unit: To develop a system for answering writing task 2.

Writing System Creation

This is probably the most important part to increasing your IELTS score for the writing section. Your writing answers must use a clear and concise structure, which covers all of the essential items.

IELTS Writing Task 2

In writing task 2 you need to write an essay on a general interest topic writing at least 250 words. You may have to explain your opinion, discuss different opinions on a topic, or solve a problem.

The best approach is to follow a system to; plan, develop, write and review your essay for best results.

The key things to remember are:

• Use varied sentence structures

• Use transition/connecting phrases to link your ideas

• Use varied and some higher level vocabulary

• Check your spelling errors

• Check your capitalization

• Check punctuation

• Use a proven structure for organisation

Unit 3 – How To Identify The Different Question Types

Objective of this Unit: To identify the possible question types which are used for Task 2.

What Are The Question Types?

There are three possible question types for writing task 2, but you will only receive one question in the exam. However, it is very important to be able to identify the different question types because you will then find it much easier to write an essay based on the correct structure to use for that type.

Here are the three possible question types:

• Argument

• Proposal

• Discussion

Argument

Description - You are given a problem or issue and two different solutions or opinions about it. Typically, you are then asked to decide which solution/opinion is better.

Identification – Does it ask me to make a decision between two different views or discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the topic?

Examples – “Stress is an increasing symptom of many employees today. What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of increasing the lunch break from 30 minutes to one hour?”

“In some countries people pay different rates of tax depending on their salary, in other countries everyone pays the same rate. Which do you believe is the best system?”

Proposal

Description - You are given an opinion about a social issue to discuss. Typically, you are asked whether or to what extent you agree with it.

Identification – Does it ask me to discuss a particular proposal?

Example – “Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative forms of medicine. However, at best, these methods are ineffective, and at worst, they may be dangerous. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Discussion

Description - You are given a social issue or problem and asked directly to discuss it and often asked to suggest a solution for it.

Identification – Does it ask me to clarify my own opinion about the topic?

Example – “Many countries require visas for foreign people to work. Why do they do this? Do you believe that it is fair?”

Question Type Exercise

Choose which question type fits each question below

1. “Many people have an unhealthy diet and do not do enough exercise. What do you think are the reasons for this and what can be done to encourage people to lead a healthier lifestyle?”