IELTS General Writing Task -2
General Structure
Introduction
- Your introduction paragraph should paraphrase your question. Use synonyms for the words used in the question.
- A thesis statement – This statement should clearly state your opinion (i.e) whether you agree or disagree with the statement.
Body Paragraph 1
Your body paragraph should revolve around:
- A central idea
- Supporting points
- Example (Optional)
A central idea
The paragraph should revolve around this idea. Supporting points – Added points that support your central idea.
Example – Examples from your real-life experiences that support the supporting idea. They are optional.
Body Paragraph 2
A central idea- The paragraph should revolve around this idea. Supporting points – Added points that support your central idea.
Example – Examples from your real-life experiences that support the supporting idea. They are optional.
Body paragraph 3
This paragraph is the trickiest of all. You need to convey to the examiner that:
You are aware of the other side of the argument.
Yet you believe that your side is logical or right. Conclusion
Conclusion
Paraphrase your question along with an emphasis on your opinion
Essay
To succeed in a business, one needs to know math’s. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Answer:
People have regularly shared their ideas for success in business. Many individuals feel that mathematics is essential for commercial success. In my opinion, I disagree with this concept. I believe that in order to thrive in business, one must have proper managerial skills. In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall explain my point of view.
Many people believe that it is essential to excel in math’s to be a great businessman. Math aids in gaining a good understanding of computations and figures. However, it’s not true. One can always hire employees like accountants and financial experts to manage the business flow. The recruited personnel are specialists in their professions and can assist owners in predicting future earnings and losses.
Additionally, the business owner who does not even understand basic math can avoid being duped by their staff by purchasing business plan software’s. Entrepreneurs just have to put in the appropriate numbers and the software will generate professional results. Besides that, the success of the firm is determined by the owners’ managerial abilities, organizational skills, and capability to use employees for maximum efficiency. Furthermore, entrepreneurs must possess excellent leadership qualities, such as the ability to establish a clear company strategy and vision. Above all, an entrepreneur should be aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as what they can contribute to the table.
However, it might be true that the nature of business involves calculations for monetary transactions. Therefore, all the activities in a company are indirectly related to math’s, and not having the basic knowledge of math’s is a significant disadvantage. Irrespective of this common belief, the recent technological advancements do not allow math’s to impede anybody’s success.
To sum up, commercial success is based not only on math but also on proper resource management in organizations.
Structure of the essay
You were given an opinion essay which means you had to pick a side. So,
- Do you agree that if a business wants to succeed, they need to know math’s?
(or)
- Do you disagree that if a business wants to succeed, they need to know math’s?
Once you pick a side, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.
Don’t forget to state your opinion on it.
Question Paraphrased – Many individuals feel that mathematics is essential for commercial success.
Opinion – Though I don’t agree with this concept, I believe that in order to thrive in business, one must have proper managerial skills.
A thesis statement – In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall explain my point of view.
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic: Ways additional resources besides math’s can help to run a business.
Supporting points:
- Using additional help like hiring experts
- Recruiting specialists
Body Paragraph 2:
Topic: Requirement of additional skills for business
Supporting points:
- Business software that help
Importance of managerial and organizational skills
Leadership qualities that help
Conclusion:
Reiterated that success of the business is not just based on math but also on proper resource management of resources and supported the side taken in the introduction.
Discussion Essay
Instructions to follow
- If you are given a discussion essay, you have to write about both sides of the statement.
- Offer your opinion, only if you are asked to.
- Once you are clear about your opinion, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.
A discussion essay should have:
- Introduction
- 3 Body Paragraphs
- ★ The 3rd body paragraph is optional. It will get you a higher band score
- Conclusion
Introduction
- Your introduction paragraph should paraphrase your question. Use synonyms for the words used in the question.
- A thesis statement (if asked for opinion) – This statement should clearly state your opinion (i.e) whether you agree or disagree with the statement.
Body Paragraph 1
Your body paragraph should revolve around:
- A central idea
- Supporting points
- Example (Optional)
A central idea
The paragraph should revolve around this idea. Supporting points – Added points that support your central idea.
Example – Examples from your real-life experiences that support the supporting idea. They are optional.
Body Paragraph 2
A central idea- The paragraph should revolve around this idea. Supporting points – Added points that support your central idea.
Example – Examples from your real-life experiences that support the supporting idea. They are optional.
Body paragraph 3
It should contain your opinion along with supporting points for your opinion. This can be done in the conclusion paragraph too but it may be a bit weird. Thus, it’s always better to have a body paragraph with your opinion.
Conclusion
Paraphrase your question along with an emphasis on your opinion
Essay
Some people believe that the Olympic games help bring people from different nations together, while others claim that holding the Olympics wastes money which could be used for important issues. Discuss both sides and give your opinion
Sample Answer:
Many individuals nowadays believe that hosting the Olympic games is a waste of money that might be spent on more important things. But others claim that it aids in bringing people together. I agree with the latter part of the argument, as the Olympics holds great value. In the following paragraphs, I shall put forth both sides of the argument and give reasons for my opinion.
Some people feel that sporting events such as the Olympics are unnecessary and a waste of money and resources. For example, during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, people believed that too much money was being spent on the event, potentially exacerbating the conditions of the poor. The money could have been spent on improving the country’s infrastructure or raising the country’s literacy and employment rates. Meanwhile, any problem during the event could mean the organisers lose money rather than make it.
Other people say that the Olympic games are largely sponsored by developed nations and are held only once in four years. Countries participating in the games frequently form international friendships and encourage healthy competition. Because it allows many people worldwide to showcase their talents and abilities on a global scale, it unwittingly fosters the concept of ethnic togetherness. It also aids individuals in learning and exchanging cultures, strengthening ties between various countries across the world.
To summarise, despite the fact that the Olympic Games demand significant expenditure, they are extremely valuable in unifying the world under one roof and promoting the development of good international connections.
Structure of the essay
You were given a discussion essay for which you had to give an opinion. Once you are clear about your opinion, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.
Introduction
Question Paraphrased – Many individuals nowadays believe that hosting the Olympic games is a waste of money that might be spent on more important things. But, others claim it aids in bringing people together.
A thesis statement – In the following paragraphs, I shall put forth both sides of the argument and give reasons for my opinion.
Body Paragraph 1
Central idea: Against Olympics
Supporting points:
- Some people feel that sporting events such as the Olympics are unnecessary and a waste of money and resources.
- The money could have been spent on improving the country’s infrastructure or raising the country’s literacy and employment rates.
Body Paragraph 2:
Central idea: In favour of Olympics
Supporting points:
- Aids individuals in learning and exchanging cultures, strengthening ties between various countries across the world.
Conclusion
Concluded that despite the fact that the Olympic Games demand significant expenditure, they are extremely valuable in unifying the world under one roof and promoting the development of good international connections
Advantages / Disadvantages Essay
Instructions to follow
- If you are given an advantages/disadvantages essay and you have to decide whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, you have to list the advantages and disadvantages and decide which outweighs the other.
- Once you are clear about the advantages and disadvantages, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.
Introduction
- Your introduction paragraph should paraphrase your question. Use synonyms for the words used in the question
Body Paragraph 1
- It should contain the advantages along with the supporting details. A real-life example would help you score better.
Body Paragraph 2
- It should contain the disadvantages along with the supporting details. A real-life example would help you score better.
Conclusion
Paraphrase your question along with an emphasis on your opinion
Essay
In many workplaces, online communication is now more common than face-to- face meetings. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Sample Answer
In the modernized era, workplaces have started preferring online communication rather than choosing face-to-face meetings. I think this trend is far more advantageous than anything opposite.
To begin with, online communication is beneficial as it consumes far less time and effort than the conventional method of physical meetings. For instance, if an employee has an urgent meeting to attend, choosing to hold it online will evade the issues arising from being stuck in the traffic jams and entering the office premise later than the set time for the meeting. Or, the need for appearing presentable as per the basic dressing ethics demanded by the organization. Rather, this additional time can be used to excel in their meetings and other skills. Furthermore, online communications are much more feasible, convenient and comfortable. To cite another example, during the times of covid-19, the work from home technology has proved out to be worth it.
However, there are certain demerits that are associated with online communications. With online services, one requires stable electricity and data connection. Thus, failure of any one thing can lead to disruptions during essential talks, resulting in the wastage of time. At the same time, cybercrime is pertaining to computer technology; hence, susceptible to unwanted attacks by hackers and intruders.
In conclusion, I reiterate that technological advancements can be extremely beneficial in the communication aspect. It saves time and also helps in less expenditure, given that one has a stable connection and everything is secured from hackers.
Structure of the essay
You are asked to write an advantages/disadvantages essay. This precisely means that you have to explain the advantages and disadvantages.
Remember to jot down all the points (advantages & disadvantages) before you begin the essay.
Introduction: In the modernized era, workplaces have started preferring online communication rather than choosing face-to-face meetings. I think this trend is far more advantageous than anything opposite.
Body Paragraph 1:
Advantages:
- Consumes less time and efforts
- Extra time can be used to excel in meetings and other skills
- Feasible, convenient and comfortable
Body Paragraph 2:
Disadvantages:
- Needs stable electricity and data connection
- Failure can lead to disruptions during important conversations
- Cybercrime is pertaining to computer technology
Conclusion:
Summarised the advantages and disadvantages.
Cause / Solution Essay
Instructions to follow
- If you are given a cause/solution essay, you have to talk about the problems and the solutions.
- Once you are clear about the problems you are going to write about in your essay, you can start planning your essay and then write it.
A cause/solution essay should have:
- Introduction
- 2 Body Paragraphs & each paragraphs can contain:
- ★ Either a problem solution paragraph
- ★ Problems in one paragraph and solutions in the other
- Conclusion
Introduction
Your introduction paragraph should paraphrase your question. Use synonyms for the words used in the question.
Body Paragraph 1
Problems
Real-life examples
Body Paragraph 2:
- Solutions
- Real-life examples
Conclusion:
Your conclusion paragraph should paraphrase the question.
Essay
Nowadays people live longer after they retire. How does this affect individuals and society? What can be done about this?
Sample Answer
As average life expectancy rises, people are living longer and longer after retirement, which poses a number of problems for individuals and society. But, these tensions can be remedied through government action.
People retiring older can lead to conflict between individuals and an increased burden on society generally. For the young, the process of fully integrating older people into society can be challenging. For example, many older people have quieter lifestyles, and disputes may arise with younger individuals who are in the habit of hosting loud parties or coming home late at night, particularly in cases where young people are taking care of older relatives. The strain on society can also be great as older people require more medical support to treat conditions ranging from arthritis to cancer to heart disease. This translates to a greater proportion of taxes going to the older generation and can foster societal resentment and ageism.
The best fixes for these problems can be achieved by governmental actions. Firstly, governments can ease the integration of generations by providing better retirement plans for individuals. For example, in the United States, social security benefits are rarely enough to cover retirement, so many must depend on their children. As for society, governments must be more conscientious in planning for more substantial medical expenses. The government should anticipate this trend only continuing in the future and set aside funds to research and apply advanced treatments for retired citizens well into their 80s. These measures combined would alleviate some of the weight of supporting older populations.
In conclusion, the pressures resulting from growth in the average lifespan can be countered with forward-thinking governmental policy. This will only become more important in the future as people live even longer.
Structure of the essay
You were given a problem/solution essay for which you had to talk about the problem and the solution to the problem.
Once you are clear about the problems you are going to write about in your essay, you can start planning your essay and then write it.
Introduction
As average life expectancy rises, people are living longer and longer after retirement, which poses a number of problems for individuals and society. In my opinion, these tensions can be remedied through government actions.
Body Paragraph 1 Problems:
- People retiring older can lead to conflict between individuals
- Increased burden on society
- Fully integrating older people into society can be challenging
Example:
- For example, many older people have quieter lifestyles and disputes may arise with younger individuals who are in the habit of hosting loud parties or coming home late at night.
Body Paragraph 2:
Solutions:
- Governments can ease the integration of generations by providing better retirement plans
- Social security benefits should be given
- Governments must be more conscientious in planning for more substantial medical expenses
Conclusion:
The pressures resulting from growth in the average lifespan can be countered with forward- thinking governmental policy. This will only become more important in the future as people live even longer.
Direct Question Essay
Instructions to follow
- If you are given a direct question essay, all you have to do with it is answer the questions given in each body paragraph.
A direct question essay should have:
- Introduction
- Body Paragraphs vary according to the number of questions
- Conclusion
Introduction
Your introduction paragraph should paraphrase your question. Use synonyms for the words used in the question.
Body Paragraph
Your body paragraph should revolve around the answer to the question. But it should be according to this format:
Real-life examples
Body Paragraph 2:
- A central idea
- Supporting ideas
- Example (optional, would help you to score a higher band)
A central idea: The paragraph should revolve around this idea.
Supporting points: Added points that support your central idea.
Example: Examples from your real-life experiences that support the supporting idea. They are optional.
Conclusion:
Paraphrase your question along with an emphasis on your opinion.
Essay
Car drivers and cyclists share the same roads, and this can cause problems for both of them. Why is this the case? What measures can be taken to solve these problems?
Sample Answer
Of late, there has been an increase in the number of accidents when cyclists and car-drivers share the same lane. There have been cases where cyclists are thrown off their cycles onto the road. Primary causes are careless drivers from both categories and improper road planning by the government. But, the situation could improve if the government takes appropriate safety measures.
In slow-moving traffic, accidents occur when cyclists overtake a car by pedaling past them. Accidents happen in cases when car-drivers change lanes without checking their mirrors or blind spot before they change direction. There have been cyclists hit by motorists at night times because of cyclists not having their lights on. This is mere carelessness by the cyclists. Also, the road may have potholes. A cyclist unaware of the pothole and driving close to a motorist is more prone to an accident.
But there are practical solutions to prevent these conflicts. Firstly, cyclists need to think twice before overtaking four-wheelers. In cases where the car is travelling at great speed, the cyclist must not attempt to overtake the vehicle. Car drivers need to be aware of the highway code that says cyclists may encounter sudden obstacles on the road, and motorists need to consider this fact. Cyclists need to be wary of the road conditions before they use it. A cyclist needs to be careful when driving on a poor road amidst motorists. The government must implement separate lanes for cyclists and motorists and penalise anyone who bypasses the lanes. Strict policing must be done in T-junctions and roundabouts to avoid accidents.
In conclusion, accidents occur due to carelessness from the drivers of both categories and improper road planning. The problems could be solved by implementing separate lanes for cyclists and motorists and careful driving from both ends.
Structure of the essay
If you were given a cause/solution essay, you have to talk about the problems and the solutions.
Once you are clear about the problems you are going to write about in your essay, you can start planning your essay and then write it.
Introduction:
Question paraphrased – Of late, there has been an increase in the number of accidents when cyclists and car-drivers share the same lane. There have been cases where cyclists are thrown off their cycles onto the road. Primary causes are careless drivers from both categories and improper road planning by the government. But, the situation could improve if the government takes appropriate safety measures.
Body Paragraph 1:
Central idea: Reasons why conflicts occur between cyclists and motorists.
Supporting points:
- Cyclist’s tendency to overtake in slow moving traffic
- Motorists not paying attention to mirrors or blind spots
- Cyclists not having their lights on, at night.
- Poorly maintained roads.
Body Paragraph 2:
Central idea: Steps that can be taken to avoid conflicts between motorists and cyclists
Supporting points:
- Cyclists should not try to overtake a car which is at its full speed.
- Separate lanes for cyclists and motorists.
- Motorists need to be considerate of the fact that cyclists may encounter sudden obstacles on the road.
Conclusion:
Summarised the causes and solutions – In conclusion, accidents occur due to carelessness from the drivers of both categories and improper road planning. The problems could be solved by implementing separate lanes for cyclists and motorists and careful driving from both ends.