Identify the different parts of a Writing Task 2

question
The first part of the writing process for Writing Task 2 is to read and understand the question.
You should spend three to five minutes on this.
Let’s look at the different parts of a Writing Task 2 question.

Example question

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Suggested

time length

Write about the following topic: Task

requirement

In the future, it may be scientifically possible for people Background

to live for 150 years. This could be good for individuals information
but it may have negative consequences for society.

What are the benefits and risks of people living to 150? Specific
question

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant Task
examples from your own knowledge or experience. requirements

You should write at least 250 words. Suggested

word length

You can read the following parts of Writing Task 2 questions quickly because this information
is always the same.
● Suggested time length
● Task requirement
● Task requirements
● Suggested word length.
However, you will need to analyse the following parts of the question closely as they contain
the specific information you need to help you write your essay.
● Background information
● Specific question.
We will look at this in more detail later in this step.
Read and understand Writing Task 2 questions
We have identified all the different parts of an IELTS Writing Task 2 question. Now let’s focus
on the parts of the question you need to read more closely: the background information
and the specific question.
The background information:
● includes the topic of the question. This will be the topic of your essay.
● usually presents a viewpoint. This is an opinion about the topic.
The specific question:
● is the final part of the question. This is what you need to address in your essay.
Let’s look at some example IELTS Task 2 questions to identify the topic, the viewpoint and
the specific question.

Example 1
Topic

Over the past fifty years, international sports events such as the Viewpoint
Olympic Games and world cup competitions have played an
increasingly important role in our society. However, many people think
such events are an enormous waste of money, time and effort.

Do you agree?
Specific
question
The topic of this question is international sports events have played an increasingly
important role in our society. The Olympics and world cup competitions are examples of
international sports events - they are not the topic.
The viewpoint of this question is that such events are an enormous waste of money,
time and effort. This is the opinion presented in the question.
The specific question is Do you agree? To write an answer to this question you need to
write your opinion of the viewpoint presented. That is, do you agree that international sports
events are an enourmous waste of money, time and effort?
Example 2
Let’s look at another IELTS Writing Task 2 question.
Topic
Life has become much more stressful compared to our parents’
generation. As a result, stress-related illnesses are on the
increase around the world.

Why is stress such a problem in the modern world and what Specific
do you think can be done to overcome the problems caused question
by stress?

The topic of this question is life has become much more stressful.
The specific question is why is stress such a problem and what do you think can be
done to overcome this problem? To write an answer to this question you need to write
about some of the causes of stress in the modern world and give some solutions to overcome
this problem.
Note that this question does not present a viewpoint.
Activity - Identifying the topic, viewpoint and specific question

Read each of the following example questions and identify the topic, viewpoint and specific
question. The first one has been done for you as an example.
Example question 1

Many governments have laws that ban the sale and use of hard drugs such as heroin and
cocaine, yet they allow people to buy drugs such as tobacco and alcohol. Laws that
prohibit the sale and use of hard drugs should be applied to all drugs, including tobacco
and alcohol.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?

What is the topic of the question?

A Drug control

B Drug laws

C Drug use

The topic is B because it summarises what the question is about. The background information
discusses different laws relating to different types of drugs.
What is the viewpoint of the question?
A Laws for all types of drugs should be the
same.

B People should be discouraged from

smoking and drinking.

C What are the most dangerous drugs and

how can we stop people using them?

The answer is A. The viewpoint of this question states that the law for the sale and use of all
drugs should be equal.
What is the specific question?
To answer this question you need to write how much you agree with the viewpoint that laws
for all types of drugs should be the same.

Now you try!

Example question 2

In the last decade, there has been an increase in the number and variety of online
courses available to adults. This has been welcomed as a great opportunity by many
students, however, others see these courses as less effective than classroom teaching.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying an online course?

Topic
A Opportunities for students

B Online courses available to adults

C Online education versus classroom teaching

Viewpoint
A Online courses are a great opportunity for
some, but less effective for others

B Online education has risks

C Online or face-to-face instruction - which

method is best?
What is the specific question?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying an online course?
To answer this question you need to discuss the positive and negative aspects of online
courses for adults.
Example question 3

Most major cities around the world continue to grow at a phenomenal rate due to the
massive increase in population. This has created difficulties in some major city areas.
Describe some of the problems that growth of cities causes and suggest possible
solutions.

Topic
A Pollution

B Problems of increasing population

C Population growth in cities

Viewpoint
A This growth has created problems.

B City life is better than country life.

C City development must be limited.

What is the specific question?

Describe some of the problems and suggest some solutions.
To answer this question you need to write about some of the problems caused by the growth
of cities and suggest some solutions to these problems.
Example question 4

Traditional medicine, such as acupuncture and herbal remedies, is very popular in some
countries. Those who practise traditional medicine claim it is better than modern
medicine in maintaining and improving health.
Do you agree or disagree with this viewpoint?

Topic
A Acupuncture

B The popularity of modern medicine

C Traditional medicine

Viewpoint
A Traditional medicine is the best type of
medical care

B Traditional medicine is more effective than

modern medicine

C Traditional medicine is the most effective way

to maintain and improve health
What is the specific question?
Do you agree or disagree with this viewpoint?
To answer this question you need to state whether you agree or disagree with the viewpoint
that traditional medicine is better than modern medicine, and give reasons for your opinion.
Example question 5

Universities are becoming increasingly expensive to operate. In some countries, money

from taxation has met these costs. However, this is not always enough to maintain the
quality of universities.
What are some ways universities could be funded in the future?

Topic
A Education

B Universities

C The funding of universities

Viewpoint
A Governments need to provide increased
funding to universities

B Money from taxation is not enough to

maintain quality

C Students should be heavily taxed for

attending university
What is the specific question?
What are some ways universities could be funded in the future?
To answer this question you need to suggest ways in which universities could be funded in
order to maintain their quality.