In this tutorial, we discuss with ex-IELTS examiner Robert about the 5 IELTS essay question types and how to answer them with cohesion and coherence.
There are 5 different types of IELTS essay questions. One or more of these 5 types are more difficult, are trickier, to answer because the overall structure of the essay is not necessarily so evident.
The 4-paragraph Pattern
Most IELTS task 2 essays fall rather easily into the 4 paragraph scheme where, once we have that overall paragraph pattern fixed in our heads, then the planning and writing stages are just a little bit easier.
The 4 paragraph pattern includes an Introduction, 2 Body paragraphs and a Conclusion. In a sense, that pattern already gives coherence to any essay. It points you in a logical direction. Of course, the various ways you can make the parts connect, depending on your knowledge and skill at using cohesive devices.
Now, I would say that these types of task 2 questions almost write themselves if we stick to this familiar and successful 4 paragraph pattern.
So, when we talk about coherence and cohesion as well as task achievement, it is absolutely essential that you have a very clear idea of the connection between the organization of your essay , divided into 4 paragraphs, and the type of question it is, which will then determine the content and direction of these paragraphs.
The 5 Types of Essay Questions
Agree-disagree: a statement followed by the question “To what extent do you agree …..?”
Discuss both sides: the statement includes 2 views on a topic and you are asked to discuss both views and give your opinion.
Advantages and Disadvantages: you are given a statement and asked to discuss the advantages and disadvantages involved.
A statement followed by 2 related questions: the two questions are often related to explaining why the statement is true and then discussing an alternative to the statement itself.
A statement followed by questions asking for causes and solutions: similar to type 4 but the 2 questions are always related to the problems caused by and possible solutions to those problems implied by the information in the statement.
Sample Task 2 Question & Answer
It would be good for us to look at some or maybe all of these 5 types of essay questions in terms of how each type helps us decide the structure and content of our 4 paragraphs. This might get a bit complicated and so it’s better today if we look at just one type.
We’re going to look at essay type 1. It’s very common in task 2. A statement followed by “To what extent do you agree or disagree”. See our sample task 2 question below:
There are those that believe that people should not be allowed to continue working after their official retirement age.
To what extent do you agree with this?
Here, for example, we could have the first introductory paragraph (quite short) rephrasing the statement and then stating your opinion, for or against or to what extent, the proposition. Then, the two main body paragraphs could be used to outline your point of view with examples in 2 paragraphs because it’s very advisable to list in the planning stage at least 3 or more points.
My standpoint is that I did not agree with the statement, In fact, I thought of 3 strong points.
In many professions, older people are more qualified, have more insight, and experience (work and life) and therefore may provide invaluable input in teamwork, training and so on. Examples? Teaching, most types of “white collar” /office work such as accounting, legal matters and so on.
As such, those willing to continue working would not be a burden on the state but continue to be product…
- How to answer the 5 IELTS Essay question types with coherence and cohesion
- 5 Tips to describe a line graph in Academic Task 1
