Writing Task 2: Discussion and Problem-Solution Essays Flashcards
7 cards from real IELTS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Writing Task 2: Discussion and Problem-Solution Essays flashcards as text
A student writes: 'Governments should banned fast food in schools.' What is the grammatical error?
Answer: 'Should' must be followed by the base form: 'should ban', not 'should banned'
Modal verbs ('should', 'could', 'might') are always followed by the bare infinitive (base form without 'to'), so 'should ban' not 'should banned'.
Which phrase best signals that you are about to introduce a solution to a previously stated problem?
Answer: One effective measure that could address this issue is to...
'One effective measure that could address this issue is to' is a clear, formal signal that the writer is transitioning from problem to solution.
A candidate writes only one body paragraph for a 'discuss both views' essay. What is the most significant problem?
Answer: It does not adequately address both views, directly reducing the Task Achievement score
A single body paragraph cannot develop both views adequately; examiners need to see each view developed, which directly impacts Task Achievement.
Which sentence most accurately uses 'although' to introduce a concession?
Answer: Although online learning offers flexibility, it lacks the social interaction of traditional classrooms.
'Although' introduces a subordinate concession clause; option A correctly places a full main clause after the comma, with no conjunction error.
What is a 'band-lowering' use of personal examples in Task 2?
Answer: Saying 'In my country, my uncle was fined for littering last year' instead of making a general claim
Highly personal anecdotes ('my uncle') are inappropriate in academic writing; general or country-level examples are preferred and score better.
In a problem-solution essay about youth unemployment, which is the best thesis statement?
Answer: This essay will examine the principal causes of youth unemployment and propose several measures that governments and businesses could adopt to resolve this growing issue.
A strong thesis clearly signals the essay's structure (causes + solutions), uses formal vocabulary, and avoids both vague language and overly simplistic claims.
Which of the following is the most formal and precise way to express 'a lot of people'?
Answer: A significant proportion of the population
'A significant proportion of the population' is formal and precise, contrasting with the colloquial and imprecise alternatives that lower the Lexical Resource score.