5 Types of IELTS Essays with Questions and Samples
In IELTS Writing Task 2 (both General and Academic), there are 5 different types of essays:
- Discussion essay (Discuss both views essay)
- Agree/disagree essay (Opinion essay)
- Advantage/disadvantage essay
- Problem/solution essay
- Two-part question essay (Direct question essay)
Note that no matter what type of IELTS essay you have to write, you need to make sure that you always follow the instructions and write at least 250 words.
IELTS Discussion Essay Questions
IELTS discussion essay asks you to "Discuss both views/sides and give your opinion".
For example:
Some people think that wild animals should not be kept in zoos. Others believe that there are good reasons for having zoos.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
See also: Discussion Essay Sample
IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay Questions
IELTS agree/disagree essay, also known as an opinion essay, asks you "Do what extent do you agree?", "Do you agree or disagree?", "What is your opinion?".
For example:
Medical procedures for cosmetic purposes should not be allowed.
Do you agree or disagree?
See also: Agree/Disagree Essay Sample
IELTS Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Questions
IELTS advantage/disadvantage essay asks you "What are the advantages of this?", "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?".
For example:
Today more and more tourists are visiting places where conditions are difficult, such as the Sahara desert or the Antarctic.
What are the benefits and disadvantages for tourists who visit such places?
See also: Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Sample
IELTS Problem/Solution Essay Questions
IELTS problem/solution essay asks you "What can be done about this problem?", "How could this situation be improved?".
For example:
Even though doctors all over the world agree that fast food is bad for people's health, more and more people are eating it.
Why are more people eating fast food?
What can be done about this problem?
See also: Problem/Solution Essay Sample
IELTS Two-part Question Essay Questions
IELTS two-part question essay, also known as direct question essay, asks you to write in response to two or more direct questions.
For example:
Millions of people every year move to English speaking countries such as Australia, Britain or America, in order to study at school, college or university.
Why do so many people want to study English?
Why is English such an important international language?
See also: Two-part Question Essay Sample
See more useful IELTS essay resources: