Q01 • IDENTIFY
What kind of writing task is this?
01 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 2
Some people think that all university students should study subjects they enjoy. Others believe students should only study subjects that will be useful in the future.��To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Q01 • ANSWER
OPINION ESSAY
02 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 2
Some people think that all university students should study subjects they enjoy. Others believe students should only study subjects that will be useful in the future.��To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Q01 • STRATEGY
OPINION ESSAY
03 / 27
HOW TO APPROACH THIS QUESTION
1. Identify the statement and decide how far you agree or disagree.
2. State your position clearly in the introduction.
3. Develop two strong reasons with explanations and examples.
4. Keep your position consistent; do not merely list both sides.
Q02 • IDENTIFY
What kind of writing task is this?
04 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 2
Traffic congestion is becoming a serious issue in many large cities.��What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?
Q02 • ANSWER
PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS ESSAY
05 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 2
Traffic congestion is becoming a serious issue in many large cities.��What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?
Q02 • STRATEGY
PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS ESSAY
06 / 27
HOW TO APPROACH THIS QUESTION
1. Identify the main problems and explain their consequences.
2. Suggest realistic solutions that address those exact problems.
3. Use cause-and-effect language to connect problems and solutions.
4. Avoid unrelated suggestions or undeveloped lists.
Q03 • IDENTIFY
What kind of writing task is this?
07 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 2
In many countries, young people are moving from rural areas to large cities.��What are the main causes of this trend, and what effects does it have?
Q03 • ANSWER
CAUSES AND EFFECTS ESSAY
08 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 2
In many countries, young people are moving from rural areas to large cities.��What are the main causes of this trend, and what effects does it have?
Q03 • STRATEGY
CAUSES AND EFFECTS ESSAY
09 / 27
HOW TO APPROACH THIS QUESTION
1. Separate causes (why it happens) from effects (what results).
2. Develop the most important reasons with clear explanations.
3. Describe realistic consequences for people or communities.
4. Use links such as 'because', 'as a result' and 'therefore'.
Q04 • IDENTIFY
What kind of writing task is this?
10 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 2
Some people think children should start learning a foreign language at primary school. Others think they should begin at secondary school.��Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Q04 • ANSWER
DISCUSSION ESSAY
11 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 2
Some people think children should start learning a foreign language at primary school. Others think they should begin at secondary school.��Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Q04 • STRATEGY
DISCUSSION ESSAY
12 / 27
HOW TO APPROACH THIS QUESTION
1. Identify the two views and the request for your opinion.
2. Explain why people might support each view.
3. Make your own position clear and support it with reasons.
4. Do not forget either view or the requested personal opinion.
Q05 • IDENTIFY
What kind of writing task is this?
13 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 2
More people are choosing to shop online instead of visiting traditional shops.��Why is this happening?��Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Q05 • ANSWER
TWO-PART QUESTION ESSAY
14 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 2
More people are choosing to shop online instead of visiting traditional shops.��Why is this happening?��Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Q05 • STRATEGY
TWO-PART QUESTION ESSAY
15 / 27
HOW TO APPROACH THIS QUESTION
1. Underline both questions: they require different answers.
2. Use one body paragraph for each question when appropriate.
3. Explain the causes, then give a supported evaluation.
4. Make sure neither question is ignored or answered too briefly.
Q06 • IDENTIFY
What kind of writing task is this?
16 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 1
A friend is planning to visit your city for the first time.��Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:�• suggest places to visit�• recommend some activities�• explain the best time of year to come
Q06 • ANSWER
INFORMAL LETTER
17 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 1
A friend is planning to visit your city for the first time.��Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:�• suggest places to visit�• recommend some activities�• explain the best time of year to come
Q06 • STRATEGY
INFORMAL LETTER
18 / 27
HOW TO APPROACH THIS QUESTION
1. Use a natural, friendly tone appropriate for a friend.
2. Open with a personal greeting and a reason for writing.
3. Cover all three bullet points with useful, specific suggestions.
4. Contractions are fine; end warmly, not like a business letter.
Q07 • IDENTIFY
What kind of writing task is this?
19 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 2
More people are choosing to work from home instead of travelling to an office.��What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?
Q07 • ANSWER
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES ESSAY
20 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 2
More people are choosing to work from home instead of travelling to an office.��What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?
Q07 • STRATEGY
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES ESSAY
21 / 27
HOW TO APPROACH THIS QUESTION
1. Identify the benefits and drawbacks of the situation.
2. Choose a few strong points rather than a long list.
3. Explain each point and add a relevant example.
4. Check the wording: 'outweigh' questions also require a judgement.
Q08 • IDENTIFY
What kind of writing task is this?
22 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 1
You recently bought an appliance from a shop, but it stopped working after a few days.��Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter:�• describe what you bought�• explain the problem�• say what you would like the manager to do
Q08 • ANSWER
FORMAL LETTER
23 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 1
You recently bought an appliance from a shop, but it stopped working after a few days.��Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter:�• describe what you bought�• explain the problem�• say what you would like the manager to do
Q08 • STRATEGY
FORMAL LETTER
24 / 27
HOW TO APPROACH THIS QUESTION
1. Identify the recipient and use a formal, polite tone.
2. State your purpose immediately: 'I am writing to complain about...'
3. Cover all three bullet points with specific details.
4. Finish with a clear request and an appropriate closing.
Q09 • IDENTIFY
What kind of writing task is this?
25 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 1
You need to take a few days off work to attend a family event.��Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:�• explain why you need time off�• say when you will be absent�• suggest how your work could be managed
Q09 • ANSWER
SEMI-FORMAL LETTER
26 / 27
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING • WRITING TASK 1
You need to take a few days off work to attend a family event.��Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:�• explain why you need time off�• say when you will be absent�• suggest how your work could be managed
Q09 • STRATEGY
SEMI-FORMAL LETTER
27 / 27
HOW TO APPROACH THIS QUESTION
1. Write politely to someone you know in a professional context.
2. Explain the situation and request clearly, without unnecessary detail.
3. Develop all three bullet points, including a practical suggestion.
4. Use a suitable greeting and closing, such as 'Kind regards'.