IELTS Essay Structures
IELTS Essay Structures
IELTS Essay Structures
Knowing how to structure your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay is an essential skill that can
make the difference between the getting and not getting the band score you deserve. With
that in mind, we have outlined the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 structures below.
The sentences you put in each paragraph will depend on what type of question you get.
1. Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
Direct question.
Example Question–
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high
school programs (for example working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or
teaching sports to younger children).
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Structure
Introduction
Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question
Main Body Paragraph 1
Sentence 3- Example
Sentence 3- Example
Conclusion
Sample Answer
It is argued that volunteering should be made part of the school curriculum. This essay
agrees with that suggestion completely because of the benefits it brings to pupils. The
essay will first look at how voluntary work can help students develop soft skills and then
discuss how these extracurricular activities are valued by universities and employers.
Education should not be limited to strictly academic pursuits and those in education
should also develop life skills, such as teamwork, empathy and self-discipline, and one of
the best ways to hone these aptitudes is through community service. Serving those less
fortunate than ourselves teaches us many lessons including how to work with people from
other backgrounds and the value of hard work. For example, I personally volunteered to
spend 6 weeks in Africa teaching disadvantaged children and this led to a much higher
work ethic when I returned to my studies.
Many colleges and companies are also increasingly looking for this type of experience.
Most school leavers have the same grades and charitable works can help set you apart
from the herd. For example, Cambridge and Oxford receive thousands of applications
from straight-A students every year and can only accept a small percentage of applicants.
What you have done outside the classroom is often the thing that differentiates you from
everyone else and gets you that coveted spot.
Example Question
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.
Structure
Introduction
Sentence 3- Example
Sentence 4- Result
Sentence 3- Example
Sentence 4- Result
Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary
Sentence 2- Opinion
Sample Answer
It is argued that technology is playing an ever increasing role in schools and universities.
This essay will firstly, discuss student freedom as one of the main advantages of this and
secondly, outline decreasing levels of face to face contact as one of the main
disadvantages.
The main disadvantage associated with increasing use of technology in education is the
decrease in face to face interaction between students. Students spend more time looking
at computer screens by themselves than interacting with each other. For instance, the
recent explosion in smartphone use has been at the expense of genuine human
interaction. This results in soft skills, such as verbal communication and empathy, being
affected.
Example Question
Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a
positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.
Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.
Structure
Introduction
Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary
Sample Answer
There is an ever-increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the
classroom. It is often argued that this is a positive development, whilst others disagree
and think it will lead to adverse ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in
technology is beneficial to students and teachers. This essay will discuss both points of
view.
It is clear that the Internet has provided students with access to more information than
ever before. Moreover, learners have the ability to research and learn about any subject at
the touch of a button. It is therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for
education. Wikipedia is a prime example, where students can simply type in any keyword
and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.
However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human
interaction. Human interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate
and empathy. Despite this, human interaction is still possible through the internet and this
essay disagrees technology should be dismissed for this reason. For instance, Skype and
Facebook make it possible for people to interact in ways that were never before possible.
While the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap into
limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new
phenomenon and not allow it to curb face to face interaction. However, as long as we are
careful to keep in mind the importance of human interaction in education, the educational
benefits are clearly positive.
Example Question
What are some of the problems associated with reliance on computers, and what are
some of the possible solutions?
Structure
Introduction
Sentence 3- Result
Sentence 4- Example
Sentence 1- State Solution
Sentence 2- Explain Solution
Sentence 3- Example
Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary
Sample Answer
Learners are becoming ever more dependent on technology, such as the Internet and
mobile devices. This essay will discuss one of the main problems associated with
dependence on computers and suggest a viable solution.
The principal problem with over-reliance on technology, such as tablets and computers, is
plagiarism. Students often use search engines to answer a question and simply copy the
text from a website, rather than thinking about the question. This practice is not only
prohibited in schools and universities but also stunts a student’s intellectual development.
For example, many teachers complain that students copy web pages straight from
Wikipedia word for word rather than giving a reasoned answer to their questions.
A solution to this worrying problem is asking students to email their answers to teachers
and teachers using anti-plagiarism software to detect copying. Moreover, students would
be made aware of this practice and this would inspire them to answer questions using
their own words, rather than someone else’s. For instance, many universities already use
this kind software to scan course work for plagiarism and it could be extended to include
all homework, by learners in both secondary and tertiary education.
Two-Part Questions
Typical Question Words
There will normally be a statement and they will then ask you to answer two separate
questions.
Example Question
As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an
important element of individual wellbeing.
Structure
Introduction
Sentence 4- Example
Sentence 4- Example
Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary
Sample Answer
As the majority of adults spend most of their time at work, being content with your career
is a crucial part of a person’s health and happiness. This essay will first discuss which
elements lead to job satisfaction and it will then address the question of how likely it is that
everyone can be happy with their job.
The two most important things that lead to someone being satisfied at work are being
treated with respect by managers and being compensated fairly. If those more senior than
you respect you as a person and the job you are doing then you feel like you are valued. A
fair salary and benefits are also important considerations because if you feel you are
being underpaid you will either resent your bosses or look for another job. There two
factors came top of a recent job satisfaction survey conducted by Monster.com, that found
that 72% of people were pleased with their current role if their superiors regularly told
them they were appreciated.
With regards to the question of happiness for all workers, I think this is and always will be
highly unlikely. The vast majority of people fail to reach their goals and end up working in
a post they don’t really care about in return for a salary. This money is just enough to pay
their living expenses which often means they are trapped in a cycle of disenchantment.
For example, The Times recently reported that 89% of office workers would leave their
jobs if they did not need the money.
In conclusion, being satisfied with your trade or profession is an important part of one’s
well-being and respect from one’s colleagues and fair pay can improve your level of
happiness; however, job satisfaction of all workers is an unrealistic prospect.