Types of Essays in IELTS: Complete Guide (2024)

There are multiple types of essays in IELTS exam. The IELTS is a standardized exam created to evaluate the language proficiency of applicants seeking to study or work in a nation where English is the official language of communication.

Admission to a lot of university or college requires the Academic IELTS, while the General Training IELTS is used for immigration and professional goals. The four sections of the IELTS exam are Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening. The writing portion is required because it is crucial to evaluate non-native English speakers’ writing abilities before allowing them to live or study in an English-speaking environment.

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Read along to learn about types of essays IN IELTS!

Types of Essays In IELTS Writing Questions

It is crucial to practise all the essay writing formats so that you may easily attempt them on test day. Here are some examples of the many types of essays in IELTS so that you can see the format and pattern.

• IELTS Opinion Essay
• IELTS Problem and Solution Essay
• IELTS Discussion Essay
• IELTS Advantage and Disadvantage Essay
• IELTS Direct Question Essay
• IELTS Compare and Contrast Essay
• IELTS Two-Part Essay
• IELTS Cause and Solution Essay

IELTS Opinion Essay 

The most typical IELTS Task 2 question type is an Opinion essay. The question will be posed in this case with a certain viewpoint. The applicants must either concur with the opinion or disagree with it. Candidates must express their perspectives based on pertinent knowledge, concepts, and experience.

Here, the perspectives are discussed, and counterarguments are also presented in this argumentative essay. If one agrees or disagrees with a particular opinion in the question, there should be good justification. It is crucial to discuss both points of view, those that concur and those that dissent, before concluding the essay with your own viewpoint.

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Example : Some people think that only electric cars should be allowed on the road by 2040. Do you agree?

IELTS Problem and Solution Essay

When writing a problem and solution essay, applicants must first outline the issues that are related to a certain topic before making recommendations for solutions. The applicants will be given a specific statement as a question, and they must list all the issues that relate to that statement.

Students are required to write down potential answers or solutions for the problems after stating them. Such an essay will require a great deal of english comprehension and articulation, but only someone who is fluent in English will be able create best essay. So practise is the key.

The topics will be very popular and of general interest to enable the applicants to submit a quality write-up with data and original concepts. Candidates must write all of their applications in a highly inventive and unique manner.

For example : One of the primary concerns in cities nowadays is traffic congestion. What issues do people have because of traffic? Talk about how you might be able to overcome it. The more distinctive, coherent, and cohesive your writing is while keeping in mind all the criteria, including vocabulary, grammar, fluency, no spelling errors, and idea generation, the higher your grade will be.

IELTS Discussion Essay

Candidates must discuss both sides of an argument in discussion essays. Students must present both the positive and the negative points of view. Students are required to provide points in support of assertions that they agree with and statements that they disagree with when given a topic. 

Typically, teachers ask students to share their opinions. Selecting one side to agree with and one to disagree with when answering. In order to do this, candidates must fully comprehend the question. It is crucial to take positions on both sides of the argument before drafting your essay to properly reflect both agreement and dissent.

Note that students must determine if they concur with the statement.

For example : Some people believe that everyone should have access to free healthcare, while others do not. Discuss about both sides.

IELTS Advantage and Disadvantage Essay

An advantage and disadvantage essay is also a two-part essay in which applicants must identify all the benefits and drawbacks of a specific item, occasion, or circumstance. Understanding the question is crucial since only then will applicants be able to list all the benefits and downsides of a certain statement.

For example: Some people believe it is wise to take a gap year before enrolling in college. Write this statement’s advantages and disadvantages. Students are required to write the advantages and disadvantages of having a gap year before starting university after fully reading the statement.

IELTS Direct Question Essay

There may be one or more questions to respond to in a direct question essay. The entire essay must address the subject of the single question if there is one. The applicants will need to structure the 250-word essay such that it addresses all of the questions. Given that writing task 2 has a 40-minute time constraint, students cannot skip any questions or go over the word limit.

For example : The problem of global pollution is getting worse. Do you believe that this issue should be resolved locally or internationally?

IELTS Compare and Contrast Essay

A candidate must distinguish between two things in a comparison and contrast essay by outlining their similarities and distinctions. There will be two elements, which can be anything—an event, a component, or a circumstance—between which a comparison and contrast should be drawn. Students must have strong analytical and comprehension abilities to complete this essay.

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In order to clearly underline and list all of the similarities and differences between the two topics in the question, students must use their vocabulary and articulation abilities when writing a comparison and contrast essay.

For example: While some people prefer to live in homes, others believe apartments are a better option. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of living in houses versus apartments.

IELTS Two-Part Essay

There are two questions in an IELTS two-part essay. These are two closely linked questions that support the first one. Students must make sure they respond to both of the essay’s questions. Even if a student has prepared a 250-word essay, the test will still be considered incomplete if they neglect to answer one question. 

The question must be answered in its entirety. Students will receive a lot of points for their responses to this scoring question. Candidates can differentiate their essays by including a variety of facts, opinions, ideas, and descriptions.

For example: Many kids now use mobile applications excessively day and night as a habit. Why do you believe this is the case? What actions may parents take to prevent the situation from getting worse?

IELTS Cause and Solution Essay

An essay on causes and solutions is comparable to an essay on problems and solutions. The causes of a certain circumstance or incident must be discussed in a cause and effect essay, along with all potential solutions or preventative measures. When applicants receive a statement, they must examine and understand it to determine the causes before coming up with original and competitive solutions that can solve or prevent those issues.

The applicants are also able to offer solutions and safety measures. Sometimes, there may be a three-part question that requires the student to list the issues, causes, and solutions to a certain event or thing.

For example: With more and more people converting to private vehicles, pollution has dramatically increased. What additional factors contribute to pollution? Discuss ways to deal with the pollution issue.

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