IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Understand the Prompt and Avoid Common Mistakes
- Studdia Live
- May 5
- 4 min read
Many IELTS candidates lose valuable points in Writing Task 2 not because their grammar is weak or their ideas are poor, but because they misunderstand the essay prompt. In this post, we will go through the key elements of every IELTS Writing Task 2 question, explain how to identify the essay type, and show you how to avoid the most common trap—writing off-topic.
This is essential reading if you are aiming for Band 7 or above.
🎦 Prefer to watch? The full video contains more detailed explanations and examples. Be sure to check it out at the end of this post.
The Two Parts of Every Writing Task 2 Prompt
Every IELTS Writing Task 2 question has two parts:
A statement that introduces the topic.
A set of instructions that tell you how to respond.
Let us look at a few examples:
Example 1
“Computers are being used more and more in education.”
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.
The first sentence introduces the topic and presents a fact. The second sentence—this is your instruction—tells you what your essay needs to do: discuss both sides and express an opinion.
Example 2
“Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high-school programmes.”To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Here, you are presented with a specific viewpoint, followed by instructions about how to respond. This is an opinion essay prompt.
Identifying the General Topic and the Specific Issue
One of the most important skills you need in Writing Task 2 is the ability to separate the general topic from the specific issue. The general topic gives you context, but the specific issue is what your essay must actually respond to.
Let’s look again at Example 1:
“Computers are being used more and more in education.”
The general topic here is education. However, the specific issue is the increasing use of computers in education. You are not writing about education in general, nor are you writing about computers. You are writing about this particular trend within the field of education.
Now look at Example 2:
“Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high-school programmes.”
The general topic is again education, but the specific issue is whether or not high school students should be required to do unpaid community service.
Understanding this distinction is crucial. You will never be asked to write about a topic in general terms. The task always focuses on a specific, narrow issue. Your job is to stay focused on that issue throughout your essay.
Why This Matters: A Common Mistake to Avoid
A common error—especially among Band 6 candidates—is writing too generally about the topic and failing to address the specific issue raised in the prompt.
To avoid this, always ask yourself:
What is the general topic?
What is the specific issue I am being asked to discuss?
Read the statement several times until this is absolutely clear!
Understanding the Instructions: The Five IELTS Essay Types
The instructions that follow the statement tell you what kind of essay you need to write. There are five standard types in the IELTS exam:
1. Opinion Essay
Instruction clues: “Do you agree or disagree?”, “To what extent…”, “What is your opinion?”
You can:
Completely agree
Completely disagree
Partially agree
Your position must be clear in the introduction and consistent throughout the essay. If you partially agree, it is logical to present the opposing view first, and your own view second.
2. Discussion Essay
Instruction clues: “Discuss both views”, “Discuss both sides”
You must:
Present both perspectives equally
Give your opinion if the prompt asks for it
Presenting the side you disagree with first helps your essay finish with your stronger, preferred argument.
3. Advantage/Disadvantage Essay
Instruction clues: “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages”, “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”
Your opinion may or may not be required. It is perfectly acceptable to write about just one key advantage and one key disadvantage—as long as both are fully developed and balanced.
4. Problem/Solution Essay
Instruction clues: “What are the problems and solutions?”, “What are the causes and effects?”
Your points must be logically connected. For each problem, provide a specific solution. Avoid listing points—choose one or two strong ideas and develop them thoroughly.
5. Direct Question (Two-Part Question) Essay
Instruction clues: A statement followed by two separate questions
Each question needs to be answered fully, usually in its own body paragraph. Keep the development of both parts balanced.
Structure Stays the Same
Regardless of essay type, the structure never changes:
Introduction
Two (or sometimes three) body paragraphs
Conclusion
What changes is the content of your body paragraphs. For example, in an opinion essay, you present your main reasons for your opinion. In a problem/solution essay, you present problems in one paragraph and solutions in the next.
A Key Feature of Band 7 and Above Essays
One important feature of higher-scoring essays is balanced development of ideas. Band 6 essays often have one longer body paragraph and another shorter one. This suggests that one argument is well developed, while the other is weak or incomplete.
In Band 7 and above essays, arguments are fully and equally developed. The paragraphs are typically similar in length, and each presents one clear main idea with strong support.
To meet the criteria for Band 7 or higher:
Avoid imbalanced paragraphs
Develop each idea fully
Stay clearly focused on the specific issue
Final Thoughts
To summarise:
Every Writing Task 2 prompt includes a statement and instructions.
The statement introduces a general topic and a specific issue—always focus on the specific issue.
The instructions tell you what kind of essay to write—there are five standard types.
The structure of the essay never changes: introduction, body, and conclusion.
For Band 7+, your ideas must be clearly and equally developed.
✳️ For the full lesson, watch the video linked below.
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