Task 2: discussion and problem–solution essays

Not every IELTS Writing Task 2 question asks for your opinion. Two other common types are the discussion essay ("Discuss both views") and the problem–solution essay ("What are the causes/problems? What solutions can you suggest?"). Each type needs a slightly different structure. If you write an opinion essay when the question asks for a discussion, you can lose marks for Task Response even if your English is strong.

Task 2 needs at least 250 words and you should spend about 40 minutes on it. It counts for more of your Writing band than Task 1. It is marked on four equal criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

Step one: identify the question type

Read the final sentence of the prompt carefully. It tells you the job.

• "Discuss both these views and give your own opinion." A discussion essay. Both sides must be developed, and your opinion must be clear.
• "What problems does this cause? What can be done to solve them?" A problem–solution essay. You must answer both questions.
• "Why is this happening? What can be done?" A cause–solution essay, which uses the same structure as problem–solution.

Underline every question word. If there are two questions, your essay must answer two questions.

Discussion essay structure

1. Introduction: Paraphrase the topic, mention both views and state your opinion briefly.
2. Body paragraph 1: The first view, with reasons and an example.
3. Body paragraph 2: The second view, with reasons and an example. Often this is the view you agree with.
4. Conclusion: Summarise both sides and restate your opinion clearly.

Useful language: Some people argue that... / Supporters of this view point out... / On the other hand, others believe... / Having considered both sides, I believe...

Important: "give your own opinion" does not mean you must choose one side completely. You can agree partly with both, as long as your position is clear and consistent.

Problem–solution essay structure

1. Introduction: Paraphrase the issue and say the essay will outline the main problems and possible solutions.
2. Body paragraph 1: Two main problems, each explained with a result or example.
3. Body paragraph 2: Solutions, ideally linked directly to the problems you described.
4. Conclusion: Summarise the key problem and the most effective solution.

Useful language: A major consequence of this is... / This leads to... / One effective measure would be... / Governments could... / This would ensure that...

Worked example

Many young people from developing countries go abroad to study. Some believe this benefits their home country, while others think it harms it. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Plan:

• View 1 (benefits): graduates return with new skills; for example, a Bangladeshi engineer trained in Malaysia may bring back modern construction methods; international links grow.
• View 2 (harm): "brain drain" if graduates stay overseas; families spend large amounts of money abroad.
• My opinion: mostly beneficial, especially when students return or stay connected, but governments should create good jobs to attract graduates home.

Sample introduction:

"It has become increasingly common for students from countries such as Bangladesh to complete their degrees overseas. While some argue that this strengthens their home nations, others fear that it drains talent and money away. In my view, studying abroad is largely positive, provided that graduates are given reasons to return."

This introduction paraphrases the prompt, names both views and gives a clear opinion in about 60 words.

Common mistakes

• Answering only one question. In a problem–solution essay, many students write three paragraphs of problems and one sentence of solutions.
• Hiding your opinion. In a discussion essay, if the examiner cannot find your view, Task Response suffers.
• Solutions that do not match problems. If you describe traffic jams, do not suggest "more education" without explaining the link.
• Listing ideas without developing them. One well-explained idea with an example is better than four undeveloped points.
• Overusing linking words. "Moreover, furthermore, in addition" in every sentence sounds mechanical. Use them where they genuinely help.
• Memorised phrases that do not fit the topic. Examiners notice language that is not connected to the question.

Practice idea

Collect ten Task 2 prompts from practice material, including the free tests on this site. For each one, only identify the type and write a 5-line plan. Planning many essays quickly builds the skill faster than writing one essay slowly.

Quick tip

Before you write the introduction, write the question type in the corner of your paper: "D" for discussion or "P/S" for problem–solution. That single letter reminds you, for 40 minutes, what the examiner expects to see.