In the Academic Task 2 essay you may be asked from a range of questions. Whatever the question, it’s good to have an essay structure in mind. A four-paragraph structure is the most common, and the easiest to adapt to different questions.
Before you take the test, practice using the structure so you can plan your essay quickly on the day of the test.
Here are some possible question types and four-paragraph structures to match:
Agree or Disagree
Question Example: Many children these days have an unhealthy diet. Both schools and parents are equally responsible for solving this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Introduction: paraphrase the question and give a general answer that will summarise your opinion
Main paragraph 1: I agree/disagree because … + supporting reasons
Main paragraph 2: Another reason I agree / disagree is …
Conclusion: paraphrase your argument and sum up.
Note: when the question asks ‘to what extent’, you can agree or disagree in both main paragraphs.
Advantages or Disadvantages outweigh each other
Question Example: In some countries, governments are encouraging people to use their cars less and to take public transport instead. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Introduction: topic and give your opinion (more advantages or disadvantages?)
Main paragraph 1: Advantages
Main paragraph 2: Disadvantages
Conclusion: summarize your opinion in a different way from the introduction
Problem and Solution
Question Example: Crime rates tend to be higher in cities than in smaller towns. Explain some possible reasons for this problem and suggest some solutions.
Introduction: topic and general answer to question
Main paragraph 1: Give reasons for problem
Main paragraph 2: Offer some solutions
Conclusion: summarize (and paraphrase) your argument
Discuss two views plus your opinion
Question Example: Some people say children use technology too much these days. Others believe that using technology now will help them in the future. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
Introduction: topic and give your opinion
Main paragraph 1: Discuss one view
Main paragraph 2: Discuss second view
Conclusion: summarize (and paraphrase) your opinion
Two-part questions
Question Example: Some people think that history as a subject at school is not useful and should be replaced with a more practical subject. Why do you think it is important to learn about history? What would be the effect if children were not taught history?
Introduction: topic and give an overall answer to both questions
Main paragraph 1: Answer first question
Main paragraph 2: Answer second question
Conclusion: summarize both answers
One or two general points:
1. Introduce the topic by paraphrasing the question
2. Try to give two or three ideas in each paragraph
3. Always support your ideas with examples
4. Make sure examples are quite general – not personal examples
5. Conclude by summarizing your opinion in a different way from the into (paraphrase)
Source: FutureLearn: understanding IELTS by British Council
