IELTS Writing Task 2 - Understand the 5 Essay Types

There are 5 main types of essays that you could be asked to write:
1) Opinion Essays
2) Discussion Essays
3) Problems Essays
4) Advantages & Disadvantages Essays
5) Double Question Essays
Almost every question you could possibly get will fit into one of these categories. However, questions can be written in many different ways, which can make it difficult to determine which type they are.
By the end of the video, you will have a good understanding of all 5 essay types.
Video content:
• An overview of the 5 types of Task 2 essay
• Samples questions to help you recognise the different wording used
• 5 Model essay structures
Here are the links that I mention in the video to more information on each essay type.
1) Opinion Essays
www.ieltsjacky.com/ielts-opin...
2) Discussion Essays
www.ieltsjacky.com/ielts-disc...
3) Problems Essays
www.ieltsjacky.com/ielts-prob...
4) Advantages & Disadvantages Essays
www.ieltsjacky.com/ielts-adva...
5) Double Question Essays
www.ieltsjacky.com/ielts-doub...
For more help, visit the writing section of my website www.ieltsjacky.com to find all the step-by-step guidance you need to write high scoring essays.
www.ieltsjacky.com/ielts-writ...
There are also lots more writing videos on my KZbin channel.

[@hartindersingh2201]

ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE VIDEO OF WRITING TASK 2

[@nguyenuchoa779]

It's is heart-warming that people still visit your videos till this day, AND THEY SHOULD. I'm going to take my test tomorrow and are relief to find your video, it's very informative and clear. I can't thank you enough. I will give you an update after I get my result. Again thank you ❤ Update: OMG I got an overall of 7.0, my writing was scored 6.0, though it doesn't seems like a lot to most, it is a huge improvement in my term, THANKS YOU JACKYYYYYY

[@MrHyderabadiboy]

Dear Jacky, your videos are very informative I prepared writing task 1 and 2 from your channel and I scored 7 in writing . Thanks a lot

[@IELTSJacky]

Glad they're helpful Zeenath. Well done on scoring 7 in writing.

[@shakhnozaabdieva2689]

Really

[@shakhnozaabdieva2689]

Great. Could you help me develop my writing skills pls

[@sanjana_M23]

🙄

[@pranathipriya2461]

Thank you so much. I’ve scored 7 in writing just by watching this video. I wouldn’t have done so better without this one video it had made the entire process so easy. Thank youuu!!

[@nasibamamarasulova8912]

Thank you Jacky for your informative video , for many years , I had a difficulty in writing essays, but your explanation gave me clear ideas about them

[@Vsdcakes]

Dear Jacky, thanks for making these videos I scored 6.5 in my writing task … I have always had issues with writing essays thanks

[@southkoreaupdatestv]

Thank you so much Jacky, I really apricate you for providing such an informative video for us.

[@sanayusufy]

Thanks jacky, these are really helpful.❤

[@sathindraamarasinghe1318]

The best and the most precise explanation I came across.

[@IELTSJacky]

Thank you. Glad to be of help.

[@travelfromhome1340]

THAT'S SO INFORMATIVE! Thank you so much!

[@IELTSJacky]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-fm3er9dd5h]

Dear Jacky,thanks for your Task 2 structure videos, sometimes it's really hard to distinguish the type of essay .

[@IELTSJacky]

You are right, it is. I hope that my video lessons help you with this challenge.

[@haribabu583]

Best video I have come across, clear and concise

[@IELTSJacky]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting, Hari.

[@Lee-hs7cq]

Shock! Finally u found a very useful source to make me understand the writing essay . . Thank you jack you are brilliant amazing thank you for putting a lot of effort to make a video like this. I am so wonder why people dont notice your channel . You doing way better than other famous ielts KZbin teacher they called 😅 . Ohhhh again a thousand thank you jack

[@IELTSJacky]

Thank you so much for your kind words Lee. I'm so pleased you've found this video helpful. I wish you all the best with your IELTS preparation. Jacky

[@Lee-hs7cq]

@@IELTSJacky its really useful though i would say theres a lot of source that i tried to check and watch in youtube but your source is very clear source . i am taking my ielts academic on 14 i am so nervous since then but right after i accidentally open your website yesterday in the middle of the night 1am . its answered pray for my worriedness . and again thank you jacky your helping a lot of student like me for free. wish you all the best in life . thank you

[@IELTSJacky]

I'll be thinking of you on your exam day, Lee. I really hope you get the score you need. All the best, Jacky

[@mariamma332]

@@Lee-hs7cqhow much did you get?

[@lamiabensaad4091]

Methodical clear and concrete. Frankly you are the best

[@IELTSJacky]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Iamia. So pleased you found the video helpful.

[@williamalmeida5868]

Thank you Ma'am. Very well.explained.

[@mdnoman1106]

Mam I don't have any word for thanking you 😊💗 This video was just a masterpiece for task 2 7th Jan 2023 my xm need ur praying 🙏

[@niginaabdullayeva-tg3cc]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS THANK YOU!!!

[@ayshanhuseynova2221]

Thanks Jacky!!! You are the best!!!

[@IELTSJacky]

You are very welcome, Ayshan.

[@ritapercuoco7881]

Super useful !!! Love it ! Thank you very much

[@IELTSJacky]

You are welcome!

[@ekincelik7877]

Hi Jacky, your videos are so informative and helpful! Thank you so much

[@IELTSJacky]

You are so welcome!

[@kaleemullahmohmand8096]

one of the best video thank you so much

[@user1688dish]

Such a helpful video!!🎉👍

[@williamsawara9615]

Hello Jacky! Your teachings on IELTS writing task 2 was so helpful during my day preparation for IELTS last weekend. I took the test on 2nd of April 2022. Result came in now and it is 6.5. thank you so much for making it easy for me

[@IELTSJacky]

Congratulation on a great result. I'm delighted to have been able to help you.

[@shokantleuberdiyev8932]

So useful, thank you so much!!!

[@kiran1366]

Many thanks for your teachings!

[@IELTSJacky]

You are very welcome.

[@ishahriaar]

Great Resource

[@Lee-hs7cq]

Jacky!!!!!! Thank you very much i got my eilts writing!!!! First attempt! And i got the desired score i need! I cried so hard when i saw score! Now i can apply as a international student Thank you very much i am so happy that 1 week before my exam i saw your youtube channel . And i tried to ready many time your guide . I am not good in writting its been 13yrs since the last time i write an essay And i never been in college school. But this is really helped me a lot thank you a thousand thank you jacky!!! Academic writting 1 i just read 2 time and your explanation is really easy to understand . U made it the way that we can understand easily And the task 2 i got double question essay . My idea was not so good but i remember your explanation and i just followed that. I knew i failed but unexpected to get the desire score dor canada international student woohhh thank you!!!!

[@IELTSJacky]

Lee, that’s fantastic news. Huge congratulations. I’m so glad I was able to help. Thank you for letting me know. It sounds like you have an exciting future ahead of you. I wish you all the very best with your studies in Canada and for the plans you have for your life. Kindest regards, Jacky

[@alwaysshrestha6954]

Ur iltes spelling is wrong 😑

[@inayaseedeen1599]

Your videos are really helpful I followed the same method. I got a 7 for writing. Overall 7.5 band score.

[@IELTSJacky]

Congratulations Inaya. That's an excellent result. I'm glad you found my lessons helpful. Jacky

[@yakhshimurod7063]

You are best teacher

[@sLytherinGoddeZ]

Thank you so much for this video. I watched this video the night before my exam and it helped me more than the weeks of studying I did from other channels. I had an overall band score of 8.5 with 9 for L and R, and 7.5 for W and S. Your channel is a very big help! I'm only sad I found it late!

[@IELTSJacky]

Huge congratulations, Myra. What a great result.

[@sanayusufy]

Did you only followed her?

[@fajilee2405]

Appreciate your videos so much 💜it was really helpful for me to prepare for the exam . Your teaching methods are clear and worth to watch thank you so much ❤️❤️

[@IELTSJacky]

Glad you like them.

[@soghrajokar409]

Dear jacky, It was very helpful... your explanations are clear and documented....after watching many videos and confusing, I am pleased that learn this topic with your excellent video. with best wishes for you💜💙💚

[@IELTSJacky]

Thank you for your kind comment. Glad the video was helpful.

[@wikkihaan]

excellent video, thank you!

[@krittapasteerawan8076]

the best summary. thanks a lot 👍👍

[@IELTSJacky]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nirajregmi6843]

Hello Jacky, here it say advantages and disadvantages(plural) but we you are suggesting to state 1 advantage and disadvantage. Explanation on this will be helpful.

[@bilwamokashi305]

Thank you so much❤

[@janun9088]

great video

[@y33sk7]

Great, thanks

[@sravzzz3743]

Worth watching thank you soo much....❤️

[@IELTSJacky]

My pleasure. 😊

[@soyseth4897]

Thank for your great lesson

[@IELTSJacky]

You are welcome!

[@sharanjitkaur8642]

You are amazing 🙂

[@hridoyahmed281]

Thanks for this information

[@IELTSJacky]

You are very welcome.

[@Prakashkumar-qf9ld]

I don't know why you have very less subscribe your videos are really helpful❤️❤️❤️thank you❤️😊

[@IELTSJacky]

You're welcome. Thanks for your kind comment. 😊

[@zolza5015]

Amazing video, really helpful

[@IELTSJacky]

Glad to hear that!

[@MALLUPLATO]

Simple and informative

[@IELTSJacky]

Glad you liked it.

[@arifulhaque1297]

Nicely described 😊

[@IELTSJacky]

Glad you liked it.

[@margaretjohn5590]

Dear Jacky ,Excellent summarization about all type of essays.Thank you very much.Expecting more useful videos in future.Keep it up.

[@IELTSJacky]

You're very welcome.

[@karidanayam]

Thanks Jacky!

[@IELTSJacky]

You are very welcome, Karina.

[@natsaboutaart1729]

Dear Jacky should I write a separate 3rd body paragraph for my opinion or can include it in the conclusion? And also do hypothetical type essay questions come up in the test? Thanks

[@ssketchup72]

Fantastic. I am appreciate it.

[@IELTSJacky]

Glad you liked it!

[@user-ed6kw2nh6z]

You are my rescuer Thank you veeeery much 💗

[@IELTSJacky]

You're very welcome. 😊

[@alievayudjin6990]

Thank you a lot you are the best

[@IELTSJacky]

I'm pleased to be able to help. Thank you for your kind words.

[@ExperimentswithAliMurad]

it's really helpful thanx!

[@IELTSJacky]

You are very welcome.

[@memesone4584]

Thanks alot

[@ShaffatZaman]

Really helpful video. Thanks Jacky for your videos pray for me my exam on 25th june 2022 and may god bless you

[@IELTSJacky]

You can do it!

[@justd.2987]

Hello, First of all thanks for your video! the information is super helpful, but I have one question.. I'm confused because one of the tasks said what are the advantageS and the disadvantageS. We should use minimum 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages isn't it?

[@gracegracegraceee]

Thank you so much

[@IELTSJacky]

You're most welcome.

[@amirmoezi8316]

Thanks a million

[@IELTSJacky]

Glad to help.

[@josuebenvindo]

Such a great class as always! I don't have so much time to study. Which of the 5 types is the most common in the tests?

[@IELTSJacky]

Glad you are finding my lessons helpful. No essay type is more common than the others I'm afraid.

[@UgatonTV]

Thank you♥️💎🇺🇬

[@IELTSJacky]

You are so welcome.

[@boraplayzgamez2023]

Ielts jacky is my goat

[@barbaraobboh9222]

Good

[@navoi_english587]

Useful thank you 💯💎❤🇺🇿✅

[@IELTSJacky]

Glad it was helpful.

[@MuhammadAhmed-ke4it]

do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? i think this questions fall in opinion category ?

[@jeremiahgarcia3859]

hi Jacky, this lesson is very clear and organized. Do you offer coaching for ielts writing?

[@IELTSJacky]

Glad you found the lesson helpful. Sorry, I'm afraid I don't currently offer coaching but I will be introducing a service to better support students with their writing in the next couple of months. Keep on eye on the website for details: www.ieltsjacky.com All the best, Jacky

[@tobilobachelsea3241]

Dear Jacky, i think your video was quite informative, is it possible to get the power point presentation to this slides? I will really appreciate.

[@IELTSJacky]

Hi Tobi, I'm sorry but I'm unable to provide you with the powerpoint presentation for this lesson. However, you will find the text version of the lesson by following this link: www.ieltsjacky.com/ielts-task-2.html I hope this is helpful. All the best, Jacky

[@SourabhSingh-qx6wb]

I love it

[@IELTSJacky]

That's great. Thanks for commenting.

[@Jacksonjoseph91]

For advantages and disadvantages essay, Is it okay if we give just one adavntage and disadvantage? I have seen people saying if it is mentioned advantages and disadvantages, we should right more than one?

[@gracegracegraceee]

7:04 Dear Jackie, could you please clarify this point to me , if we have to state 2 problems and 2 solutions, do we have to write both of the problems in the 1st paragraph, and then write the two solutions in the 2nd paragraph? Or should we list the first cause and it's solution in the 1st paragraph, and then the 2nd cause with its solution in the 2nd paragraph? thank you 🌹

[@IELTSJacky]

Hi Bora, I have been told by an ex-examiner that, being such a short essay, it is better to fully develop one problem/cause and solution than trying to fit in two and ending up with one idea missing an explanation or an example because you run out of time. If you are aiming for a Band 8 or 9, I would two include two causes and solutions. Anyone at this level should be able to manage this in the time allowed. My recommendation, in this case, would be to write both the problems in the 1st paragraph and then write the two solutions in the 2nd paragraph. The alternative structure could work as well but I think this is the best option. The most important thing is to set out a clear development of ideas in your essay. I hope this is helpful Very best regards, Jacky

[@gracegracegraceee]

@@IELTSJacky alright, thank you very much jacky, it is all very clear now! 🙏

[@IELTSJacky]

You're welcome, Bora.

[@areejshalwani3006]

Hi Jacky, do I need to indent paragraphs in the essay or letter?

[@IELTSJacky]

Hi Areej. It is not wrong to indent but you don’t need to indent. It is, however, a good idea to leave an empty line between paragraphs as it makes the separate paragraphs clearer for the examiner to see.

[@saraamzil7692]

Dear Jacky, I'm a little confused about the opinion essay. Should I only develop reasons for the opinion I support or should I state the opposing view in the first paragraph? (Different sources state different ways of answering this type of essays it confused me). And big thanks for your videos!

[@IELTSJacky]

Hi Sara, Thank you for your question. You should only develop reasons for the opinion you support. This is a short essay and you simply won’t have time to write about both views. You might find it helpful to study the text version my lesson on opinion essays as it’s easy to miss things when listening to a video. You’ll find it here: www.ieltsjacky.com/ielts-opinion-essays.html or via the Writing menu page on the website. I wish you all the best with your IELTS preparation. Kind regards, Jacky

[@saraamzil7692]

@@IELTSJacky thank you so much Jacky!

[@SIJOVARGHESE55]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@edmundasdobrovolskis3728]

Hi IELTS Jacky, I can see that I have come across a very useful IELTS writing task 2 video, thank you very much for your work, but can you please explain to me, what's the difference is in structures between "Discuss both views" and Discuss both views + give your opinion essays?

[@IELTSJacky]

Hi Edmundas, I know how confusing the different types of essays can be. Discussion essays will nearly always ask you for your opinion but this could be worded in different ways. For example, Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discuss the main arguments for this statement and give your own opinion. Here is the structure I recommend for discussion essays. If you are not asked for your opinion, just miss out the instructions to "give your opinion" in the introduction and "state your opinion" in the conclusion. 1) Introduction Paraphrase the question State two supporting reasons Give your opinion 2) Main body paragraph 1 Topic sentence - outline the view you don’t agree with Explanation - explain why this view is held by some people Example - give an example 3) Main body paragraph 2 Topic sentence - outline the view you do agree with Explanation - explain why this view is held by some people Example - give an example 4) Conclusion Summarise the key points and state your opinion I hope this helps. Jacky

[@edmundasdobrovolskis3728]

@@IELTSJacky You are amazing! I honestly couldn't find any videos suggesting exactly this to the discussion questions without an opinion. Thank you for your time and effort to reply ☺️

[@IELTSJacky]

@@edmundasdobrovolskis3728 My pleasure, Edmundas.

[@dilfuzadexkonboyeva241]

👍👍

[@alphamega3822]

Hi, how would you structure multiple questions in an essay please?

[@IELTSJacky]

I recommend that you study this lesson: www.ieltsjacky.com/ielts-double-question-essays.html. The video version is posted on this page or you can search for it on my KZbin Channel. I hope it helps.

[@sempurnajiwa]

What are the key points for Advantages and Disadvantages essays Jackie?

[@alankrit41]

I am gonna give my ielts test in approx 44 hours, i haven’t practiced anything due to my job schedule and also mu procrastination. Wish me luck guys will update what my results will be, last time I fortunately got 7.5 with 3 months of practices and intese tests, lets see what will happens this time.

[@IELTSJacky]

I wish you all the best for your test. Since you haven't been able to prepare, treat it as a practice which will hopefully take the pressure off. Then, who knows, you may do better than you expect. Jacky

[@alankrit41]

@@IELTSJacky thank you Jacky. I gave my test today and since I usually do night shifts, changing my daily regime was kind of nightmare for me because of lack of sleep. The first time i gave the ielts it was in India and the examiner only asked 5 questions in total as far as I remember and i was well aware of the pattern and scored 7.5 in speaking. To my surprise when i gave the general test today in Canada, i saw a different pattern. The examiner asked around 12 topics, ranging from my house, location, my home country, food, parents and teachers roles in food for children, government roles in controlling food quality and even one question about agree and disagree regarding the government role in food. The examiner was even discussing his own points, the 2 minutes topic i guess examiner only examined for a minute and stopped me to ask further questions. I have never seen this pattern form for speaking and wanted to update you since i was not able to check your speaking videos and if not covered, maybe you’ll be able to help create any videos for others too so it do not come as a hard brick hitting like it did for my case. I’ll update my grades better or worse when i will get them. Hopefully I’ll be able to score at least above 7 bands overall. :)

[@IELTSJacky]

Thanks so much for passing on this information. It's always interesting to hear about different exam experiences. Fingers crossed for the result you need.

[@alankrit41]

@@IELTSJacky Hi Jacky i got 7.5 overall. 8 in reading, 7.5 listening, 7 speaking and 6.5 writing. I am really glad I found your lessons at the right time. Thanks for the awesome contents and simple powerful lessons. ♥️

[@IELTSJacky]

@@alankrit41 Fantastic result. Congratulations. I'm so pleased that my lessons helped you.

[@dev6080]

Watching this a day before my exam 😂

[@IELTSJacky]

Good luck with your exam, Dev.

[@arish_xo]

In some way, you can clearly say that problem essays are basically double question essays with extra steps.

[@singh_847]

Wow...

[@IELTSJacky]

I hope that means you found the video helpful Gurtej!! All the best, Jacky

[@yusufielts2466]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@aliakberli141]

Can computerized data collection on individuals be justified even though it endangers the rights of individuals? What type is it?

[@morriskhant7488]

Dear Jacky, I saw a video mentioning that IELTS doesn't take the quality of ideas into account. Is that true?

[@IELTSJacky]

Yes, you are right. You are not marked on your ideas but on your English language skills and how you develop your ideas into a coherent and cohesive essay. You must also ensure that the ideas you choose answer the specific question asked. This is essential.

[@morriskhant7488]

Thank you.

[@IELTSJacky]

@@morriskhant7488 You're welcome, Kyle.

[@tanvirislam9312]

🖤🖤

[@manjeetror9273]

🔰👍

[@englishimprovement4092]

hello what is the difference between to what extent do you agree or disagree and do you agree or disagree ?

[@gunjandesai26]

Both are same dear

[@gunjandesai26]

There is difference between advantages and agree essay..

[@abdulwarid2990]

I have problem in writing task 2.. thanks 😔

[@sahandmozafarian6035]

Excuse me (is it negetive or positive development) is which kind?

[@IELTSJacky]

I'm sorry, I don't understand your question.

[@sahandmozafarian6035]

@@IELTSJacky about 2 months ago I saw one type that wrote (NOWADAYS according to the advancement in technology people share their picture in social media is it negetive or positive development?) This question is in which category ?and which kinds

[@nativespeaker8840]

Are you native English

[@rlybro]

am always able to put an example in the body paragragh in all question types?

[@IELTSJacky]

You can use examples in all question types but an example might not be relevant for every question. I recommend giving an example whenever you can thing of a relevant one. Remember, the most important thing is to answer the question.

[@rlybro]

Thank you,jacky.

[@sahandmozafarian6035]

About 2 weeks ago I saw one topic ..it was that( according to the advancement in technology nowadays people share their pictures of ther daily life in social media..is it positive or negetive development?) This kind of question is belong to which kind? Please answer my question

[@IELTSJacky]

This is an opinion essay question.

[@akosuaosei5716]

Hi Jacky, please in this case, do you talk about one or both? I got a question like this and it didn't go well. I think I deviated.

[@IELTSJacky]

@@akosuaosei5716 You must talk primarily about one; the side of the argument you agree with. The clue is in the word 'or'.

[@sahandmozafarian6035]

@@IELTSJacky hi dear Jacky you mean that ,for example if I agree that it is positive development, we should talk about just positive points in one paragraph as a introduction,,,,second paragraph as a body 1,,,,third paragraph as a body 2,,,and finally conclusion,,, totally 4 paragraph? Please answer me

[@IELTSJacky]

@@sahandmozafarian6035 I think you’ve got the right idea if I correctly understand what you’re saying. There’s no rule to say you can’t discuss any aspect of the opposite view but to answer the question properly, you should focus on the argument that supports your opinion.

[@abdulwarid2990]

I am still decrise in topic sentence

[@hafsabegum1833]

Do I have to give an actual example or can i lie 😓

[@IELTSJacky]

If you really can't think of an example, you can make one up but it must be relevant and plausible.

[@eyesfulllofstars]

يافاشلةماينفهم 3:45 !!!!!!!

[@esportkonami9284]

Good