The learner can identify the Task 2 question type and outline a clear four-paragraph essay that answers it.
Task 2 overview and question types
What is Writing Task 2?
Task 2 is an essay worth more marks than Task 1. You should spend around 40 minutes on it and write at least 250 words. Because it carries more weight in your Writing band score, it is critical to manage your time so you reach Task 2 with enough energy and minutes left.
There are four main question types. (1) Opinion ('To what extent do you agree or disagree?') — you must state and defend your personal position clearly. (2) Discussion ('Discuss both views and give your own opinion') — you present arguments for each side and then state your view. (3) Problem–solution ('What are the causes of this problem? What solutions can be suggested?') — you analyse why the problem exists and propose realistic responses. (4) Advantages–disadvantages ('Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?') — you weigh up both sides and reach a verdict.
Reading the question carefully tells you which type it is. The key instruction words — 'agree or disagree', 'discuss both views', 'causes and solutions', 'advantages and disadvantages' — signal what you must do. Answering the wrong question type, or ignoring half the question, directly lowers your Task Response score.
Lesson notes
What is Writing Task 2?
Task 2 is an essay worth more marks than Task 1. You should spend around 40 minutes on it and write at least 250 words. Because it carries more weight in your Writing band score, it is critical to manage your time so you reach Task 2 with enough energy and minutes left.
There are four main question types. (1) Opinion ('To what extent do you agree or disagree?') — you must state and defend your personal position clearly. (2) Discussion ('Discuss both views and give your own opinion') — you present arguments for each side and then state your view. (3) Problem–solution ('What are the causes of this problem? What solutions can be suggested?') — you analyse why the problem exists and propose realistic responses. (4) Advantages–disadvantages ('Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?') — you weigh up both sides and reach a verdict.
Reading the question carefully tells you which type it is. The key instruction words — 'agree or disagree', 'discuss both views', 'causes and solutions', 'advantages and disadvantages' — signal what you must do. Answering the wrong question type, or ignoring half the question, directly lowers your Task Response score.
A reliable four-paragraph plan
A clear four-paragraph structure helps you organise ideas quickly and stay on topic.
Paragraph 1 — Introduction: paraphrase the question topic (do NOT copy it word for word), state your thesis (your direct answer to the question). A strong thesis takes a clear position; a vague one loses marks.
Paragraph 2 — Body paragraph 1: your first main argument with explanation and a specific example.
Paragraph 3 — Body paragraph 2: your second main argument (or the opposing view in a discussion essay) with explanation and example.
Paragraph 4 — Conclusion: summarise your main points and restate your position. Do not introduce new ideas here.
Worked example — prompt: 'Many people believe that social media does more harm than good. To what extent do you agree?' Plan: Introduction — paraphrase + thesis ('I largely agree that the harms outweigh the benefits'). Body 1 — harm: spread of misinformation, e.g. false health advice goes viral faster than corrections. Body 2 — concession + stronger harm: social media does connect people, yet research links heavy use to anxiety in teenagers. Conclusion — restate: on balance, the negative effects are more serious than the positives.