🧠 Main Types of IELTS Academic Essays
- Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
- Discussion (Both Views and Give Your Opinion)
- Advantages and Disadvantages
- Problem and Solution
- Two-Part Question (Direct Question / Double Question)
1️⃣ Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree)
🔹 Question example:
Some people think that children should learn how to manage money at school.
Do you agree or disagree?
🔹 Plan:
Introduction
- Paraphrase the question
- State your opinion clearly (agree / disagree / partly agree)
Body Paragraph 1
- First reason for your opinion
- Example or explanation
Body Paragraph 2
- Second reason for your opinion
- Example or explanation
Conclusion
- Restate your opinion
- Summarize your main ideas
🧩 Tip: Never just say “I agree.” Explain why and support with logic or examples.
👍 Here are 5 more IELTS-style questions on different common topics:
🌍 Environment
🔹 Some people believe that individuals can do little to help improve the environment, while others think that everyone should take responsibility for it.
Do you agree or disagree?
💼 Work and Career
🔹 Many people think that job satisfaction is more important than job security.
Do you agree or disagree?
🏙️ Urban Life
🔹 Some people believe that life in big cities is becoming increasingly difficult, while others think it offers more advantages.
Do you agree or disagree?
📱 Technology
🔹 Some people think that the use of smartphones in public places should be restricted.
Do you agree or disagree?
🏫 Education
🔹 Some people believe that homework should be banned in schools, while others think it is essential for learning.
Do you agree or disagree?
💪 Here’s a complete list of useful linking devices for an agree/disagree (opinion) essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 — organized by function 👇
🔹 Introduction (stating your opinion)
- In my opinion, …
- I firmly believe that …
- I completely agree/disagree that …
- From my point of view, …
- Personally, I think that …
- It seems to me that …
- There is no doubt that …
🔹 Introducing the first argument
- Firstly, …
- First of all, …
- To begin with, …
- One major reason is that …
- The main argument in favour of this idea is that …
- It is often argued that …
🔹 Adding another argument
- Secondly, …
- Moreover, …
- Furthermore, …
- In addition, …
- Another significant point is that …
- What is more, …
🔹 Giving examples or evidence
- For example, …
- For instance, …
- Such as …
- This can be seen when …
- A clear example of this is …
- To illustrate, …
🔹 Contrasting or presenting the opposite view
- On the other hand, …
- However, …
- Nevertheless, …
- In contrast, …
- Although some people argue that …
- While it is true that …
- Despite this, …
🔹 Emphasizing or restating
- Indeed, …
- In fact, …
- It is important to note that …
- What is especially important is that …
- Undoubtedly, …
🔹 Conclusion (summarizing your opinion)
- In conclusion, …
- To sum up, …
- To conclude, …
- Overall, I firmly believe that …
- All things considered, …
- Taking everything into account, …
Would you like me to make a ready-to-use template for an agree/disagree essay (with linking words inserted in the right places)? It’s great for IELTS practice and writing faster.
2️⃣ Discussion Essay (Both Views + Opinion)
🔹 Example:
Some people believe online learning is better than classroom learning, while others think the opposite.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
🔹 Plan:
Introduction
- Paraphrase the question
- Say that you will discuss both sides and give your opinion
Body Paragraph 1
- Discuss the first view
- Example or explanation
Body Paragraph 2
- Discuss the second view
- Example or explanation
Conclusion
- State your opinion clearly
- Summarize key points
🧩 Tip: Stay balanced — show you understand both sides before giving your final view.
3️⃣ Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
🔹 Example:
Some people think working from home has more advantages than disadvantages.
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
🔹 Plan:
Introduction
- Paraphrase the question
- Mention there are both advantages and disadvantages
Body Paragraph 1
- Describe 2–3 advantages with examples
Body Paragraph 2
- Describe 2–3 disadvantages with examples
Conclusion
- Say whether advantages or disadvantages are stronger overall
🧩 Tip: Use linking words like on the one hand, on the other hand, however, overall.
4️⃣ Problem and Solution Essay
🔹 Example:
Many cities today face serious traffic problems.
What are the main causes, and what solutions can you suggest?
🔹 Plan:
Introduction
- Paraphrase the question
- Say that you will discuss problems and possible solutions
Body Paragraph 1
- Describe 2–3 problems with examples
Body Paragraph 2
- Give 2–3 possible solutions and explain them
Conclusion
- Summarize your main points
🧩 Tip: Always match each problem with a specific, realistic solution.
5️⃣ Two-Part (Direct Question / Double Question)
🔹 Example:
Why do many people prefer to live in big cities?
What problems can this cause?
🔹 Plan:
Introduction
- Paraphrase the question
- Mention both questions
Body Paragraph 1
- Answer the first question with reasons and examples
Body Paragraph 2
- Answer the second question with reasons and examples
Conclusion
- Summarize both answers briefly
🧩 Tip: Make sure you answer both parts equally.