Task 2 question types
Recognise the five common Task 2 question types and what each one asks you to do, so your answer fully addresses the task.
In this lesson you will
- Identify opinion, discussion, advantages/disadvantages, problem/solution and two-part questions
- Know what a complete answer needs for each
- Avoid the most common Task Response mistakes
Learn
Opinion (To what extent do you agree or disagree?) — give a clear position and keep it throughout.
Discussion (Discuss both views and give your own opinion.) — explain both views fairly, then give your view.
Advantages / disadvantages (Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?) — discuss both, and say which is greater if asked.
Problem / solution or causes / solutions — explain the problem or causes, then realistic solutions linked to them.
Two-part (Why is this happening? Is it positive or negative?) — answer both questions fully.
The most common Task Response problem is not answering every part of the question. Underline each instruction and tick it off when you plan.
| Type | Key phrase | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | To what extent…? | Clear position throughout |
| Discussion | Discuss both views… | Both views + your opinion |
| Adv/Dis | Do the advantages outweigh…? | Both sides + which is greater |
| Problem/Solution | What problems… What solutions…? | Problems + linked solutions |
| Two-part | Why…? What…? | Answer both questions |
Examples
- “To what extent do you agree?” → I partly agree: … but …
- “Discuss both views and give your opinion.” → Body 1: view A; Body 2: view B; my opinion in intro and conclusion.
- “Why has this happened? What can be done?” → Body 1: causes; Body 2: solutions.
Vocabulary
position
your opinion or stance
outweigh
be more important than
address
deal with; answer
“Address all parts of the task.”
relevant
connected to the topic
off-topic
not about the question
Practice
“Some people think X. Others think Y. Discuss both views and give your opinion.” Type?
Writing
Choose one Task 2 prompt from the IELTS writing practice. Write a plan: the question type, your position, and one main idea for each body paragraph.
Lesson quiz
“To what extent…?” asks for…
Review
Key points
- Five common types: opinion, discussion, adv/dis, problem/solution, two-part.
- Answer every part; keep a clear position.
- Plan by ticking off each instruction.
What you learned
- ✓ I can identify the question type.
- ✓ I know what each type needs.
- ✓ I can plan to address every part.