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Lesson

Writing Task 2: Know your question type

Agree or disagree? Discuss both views? Problems and solutions? Recognise the five Task 2 question types so you answer every part of the question.

Writing Band 4–5 · A2–B1 9 questions Sign in to save

Why it matters

If you only answer part of the question, your Task Response score is limited, usually to Band 5, however good your English is.

The five common types

TypeKey wordsWhat you must do
OpinionTo what extent do you agree or disagree?Give your opinion clearly and support it
DiscussionDiscuss both views and give your own opinion.Explain both views, then give your opinion
Advantages / disadvantagesWhat are the advantages and disadvantages?Cover both sides (or say which outweighs, if asked)
Problem / solutionWhat problems… What can be done?Explain problems (or causes) and solutions
Two-part questionWhy is this? Is it positive or negative?Answer each question

A quick habit

Before planning, underline every question in the task and number them. Your essay must answer each number.

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Questions 1–6

What type of question is each one? Choose A–E. You may use any letter more than once.

A
Opinion
B
Discussion
C
Advantages / disadvantages
D
Problem / solution
E
Two-part question

  1. Some people think that schools should teach children how to manage money. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

  2. Many young people spend several hours a day on social media. What problems does this cause, and what can be done about them?

  3. Some people believe it is better to live in a city, while others prefer the countryside. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

  4. More and more people are working from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

  5. Many people now prefer to shop online. Why is this? Is it a positive or negative development?

  6. Some people say that zoos should be closed. Do you agree or disagree?

Questions 7–9

Choose the best answer, A, B or C.

  1. In a Discussion essay you must

  2. "What are the causes of traffic congestion, and what solutions can you suggest?" How many parts must you answer?

  3. Which is the best thesis statement for the money-management question (Question 1)?

Your turn: write an introduction

More and more people are working from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Write an introduction of two sentences: paraphrase the topic, then say what your essay will cover.

0 words · aim for at least 30

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