IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion and Problem-Solution Essays 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Task 2 prompt reads: 'Some people think that governments should ban fast food. Others believe people should be free to eat whatever they want. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.' What essay type does this require?
- A discussion essay that presents both sides and includes the writer's opinion (Correct answer)
- A problem-solution essay that identifies causes and proposes solutions
- An advantages-disadvantages essay with no personal opinion
- A direct opinion essay with only one viewpoint presented
Correct answer: A discussion essay that presents both sides and includes the writer's opinion
'Discuss both views and give your own opinion' is the standard instruction for a discussion essay requiring balanced treatment of both sides plus a clear personal position.
Question 2: Which thesis statement is most appropriate for a 'discuss both views' essay?
- While some argue that fast food should be banned for health reasons, others maintain that personal freedom must be respected; this essay will discuss both perspectives. (Correct answer)
- Fast food is very bad for health and should be banned immediately.
- This essay is about fast food and whether governments should ban it or not.
- Both views have some good points and some bad points.
Correct answer: While some argue that fast food should be banned for health reasons, others maintain that personal freedom must be respected; this essay will discuss both perspectives.
A strong thesis for a discussion essay acknowledges both sides and signals the essay's purpose without vague or colloquial language.
Question 3: In a problem-solution essay, which paragraph structure is most appropriate?
- Body paragraph 1: problem and its causes; Body paragraph 2: proposed solutions (Correct answer)
- Body paragraph 1: advantages of the problem; Body paragraph 2: disadvantages of the problem
- Body paragraph 1: writer's opinion; Body paragraph 2: opposing opinion
- Body paragraph 1: historical background; Body paragraph 2: modern context
Correct answer: Body paragraph 1: problem and its causes; Body paragraph 2: proposed solutions
A problem-solution essay typically devotes one body paragraph to the problem/causes and a second to solutions, or interleaves problem–solution pairs.
Question 4: Which linking phrase best introduces a contrasting viewpoint in a discussion essay?
- On the other hand, opponents of the ban argue that personal freedom is paramount. (Correct answer)
- Therefore, opponents of the ban argue that personal freedom is paramount.
- For example, opponents of the ban argue that personal freedom is paramount.
- In conclusion, opponents of the ban argue that personal freedom is paramount.
Correct answer: On the other hand, opponents of the ban argue that personal freedom is paramount.
'On the other hand' correctly signals a contrast and introduces the opposing viewpoint, a standard function in discussion essays.
Question 5: A candidate ends every paragraph with 'In conclusion, ...' rather than saving this phrase for the final paragraph. What is the main problem?
- It misuses a conclusion marker within body paragraphs, confusing the reader about the essay's structure (Correct answer)
- It shows good range of linking phrases
- It is grammatically incorrect to use 'in conclusion' more than once
- It makes the essay too formal for IELTS band 7+
Correct answer: It misuses a conclusion marker within body paragraphs, confusing the reader about the essay's structure
'In conclusion' signals the final summary; overusing it in body paragraphs disrupts logical flow and reduces the Coherence and Cohesion score.
Question 6: Which sentence is written in an appropriately formal register for IELTS Task 2?
- Governments should implement stricter regulations on the fast-food industry to address rising obesity rates. (Correct answer)
- Governments should really crack down on fast food because loads of people are getting fat.
- Governments gotta do something about fast food 'cause obesity is a big deal.
- Fast food is pretty bad and governments need to sort it out ASAP.
Correct answer: Governments should implement stricter regulations on the fast-food industry to address rising obesity rates.
Formal academic vocabulary ('implement', 'regulations', 'address', 'obesity rates') is required for IELTS Academic Writing Task 2.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a Task 2 body paragraph?
- To introduce the main idea of the paragraph and signal what the paragraph will argue (Correct answer)
- To summarise the whole essay in one sentence
- To provide specific evidence or statistics for the argument
- To introduce the opposing viewpoint before refuting it
Correct answer: To introduce the main idea of the paragraph and signal what the paragraph will argue
A topic sentence states the controlling idea of the paragraph, orienting the reader to its content and supporting the essay's overall argument.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion and Problem-Solution Essays 1
A Task 2 prompt reads: 'Some people think that governments should ban fast food.
Others believe people should be free to eat whatever they want.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.' What essay type does this require?