WRITING

TASK 2
 Task Description

1. The task will take 2/3 of your total score

2. You should spend around 40 minutes on
this task.
3. Spending time on making an outline is
extremely necessary
4. The essay must be at least 250 words
5. You should write the essay academically as
the topic reflects on real-life situations
 Marking
criteria
1. Task achievement: Respond the task
successfully, clear point of view, clear
examples
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Logically connected
between ideas/sentences, clear structure
3. Lexical resources: Correct usage and variety
of words or phrases
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Correct
usage and variety of grammatical points
General structure of the essay
An essay must consist of 4 paragraphs (no more,
no less)
1. Introduction
2. Body paragraph 1
3. Body paragraph 2
4. Conclusion
 Structure of the task given
(1)
(2)

1. The statement/situation (on a particular topic)

2. The instructions/requirements to respond
 Analyzing the task
(1)
(2)

1. Understand the situation then identify the main

keywords.
2. Understand the instructions and guide your essay
into the correct essay type
 Writing task 2 essay type
1. Advantanges and Disadvantages Essay
2. Opinion Essay
3. Problem and Solution Essay
(Cause/Effect/Problem/Solution)
4. Discussion Essay
5. Two-Direct Question Essay (Mixed Essay)
 WRITING
INTRODUCTIONS
* Focusing on Writing an
Introduction
Your introduction must have at least 3 part, which are
1. Hook: Write a general sentence that guides readers
into the topic. (1 sentence)
2. Controversy: Describe the situation of the task (with
paraphrasing) (1~2 sentences)
3. Task Response: Give your opinions (if needed) or tell
the readers your plan based on the instructions of
the task. (1 sentence)
(1) These days, the increase of traffic and pollution is one of
the main concerns faced by mankind.
(2) In order to tackle those problems, it is suggested that fuel
should be charged higher.
(3) In my opinion, I totally agree with this practice. Moreover,
there are some other efficient ways that can be solutions to
these issues.
 WRITING
CONCLUSIONS
* Focusing on Writing a
Conclusion
Your introduction must have at least 3 part, which are
1. Restatement: Write a general summary on the
situation/topic (1 sentence)
2. Summary of main points: Restate YOUR OWN ideas
by listing the main points (with paraphrasing) (1~2
sentences)
3. Your opinion/Something new: Give your own
opinion (if needed)/facts/effects etc. that related to
the situation and the main points (1 sentence)
 WRITING BODY
PARAGRAPHS
Follow the correct task type to
write the correct body paragraphs
 Advantages &
Disadvantages Essay
 1. Advantages and
Disadvantages Essay
Instruction hints:
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of…?
2. Do you think the advantages outweigh the
disadvantages?
3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages (and give
your opinion)
 1. Advantages and
Disadvantages Essay
Body structure 1:
1. Paragraph 1: Advantages
- Topic sentence: State 1 advantage
- Explanation: Give detail explanation
- Example: Give an example related to the topic
2. Paragraph 2: Disadvantages
- Topic sentence: State 1 advantage
- Explanation: Give detail explanation
- Example: Give an example related to the topic
 1. Advantages and
Disadvantages Essay
Body structure 2:
1. Paragraph 1: Advantages
- Topic sentence: Give an example
- Explanation: Explain the advantages
- Consequence: State the results
2. Paragraph 2: Disadvantages
- Topic sentence: Give an example
- Explanation: Explain the disadvantages
- Consequence: State the results
 1. Advantages and
Disadvantages Essay
Note:
1. Make one advantage / disadvantage with clear
explanation. If you think that you have enough time,
you can make 2 but NO MORE THAN 2 IDEAS.
2. The example/explanation/results should stick to the
topic sentence
3. You can choose either the body structure that you
find suitable for your own writing style.
1. Advantages? 2. Disadvantages?
- Idea? - Idea?
- Example? - Example?
- Explanation? - Explanation?
 New technologies have changed the way children
spend their free time.
Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh
the disadvantages?
Today more and more tourists are visiting places
where conditions are difficult, such as the Sahara
desert or the Antarctic.
What are the advantages and disadvantages for
tourists who visit such places?
 People can live and work anywhere they want to
choose because of improved communication
technology and transport.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give

your own opinion.
Opinion Essay
 2. Opinion Essay
Instruction hints:
1. Do you agree or disagree?
2. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
3. What is your opinion…?
3 ways to answer:
1. Totally agree
2. Totally disagree
3. Partly agree/disagree (* not recommended)
 2. Opinion Essay
Body structure 1: Totally agree/disagree
1. Paragraph 1:
- Topic sentence: State the first opinion
- Explanation: Give the explanation for the idea
- Example: Give an example related to the topic
2. Paragraph 2:
- Topic sentence: State the next opinion
- Explanation: Give the explanation for the idea
- Example: Give an example related to the topic
 2. Opinion Essay
Note:
1. Give each of your opinion/idea clear explanation and
example. If you think that you have enough time, you
can make 2 but NO MORE THAN 2 IDEAS.
2. You can add the effects after the examples for a
much clearer explanation
3. The example/explanation/results should stick to the
topic sentence.
The growth of online shopping will one day lead to all
shops in towns and cities closing.
Do you agree or disagree?

1. Paragraph 1 2. Paragraph 2
- Opinion? - Opinion?
- Example? - Example?
- Explanation? - Explanation?
Some people think that instead of preventing climate
change, we need to find a way to live with it?
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Foreign visitors should pay more than local visitors for
cultural and historical attractions.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
opinion?
Many people think that in today’s world it is very
difficult for people to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Do you agree or disagree?
 Problem and
Solution Essay
 3. Problem and Solution Essay
Instruction hints: (base on the instructions)
1. Problem: issues, resulting, situation
2. Cause: Reasons, why
3. Solution: deal with, addressed, tackled, remedied,
improved, solved…
 3. Problem and Solution Essay
Body structure 1: Problem and Solution
1. Paragraph 1:
- Topic sentence: State the problem
- Solution: Give the solution and explain
- Effects: Point out the possible effects
2. Paragraph 2:
- Topic sentence: State the problem
- Solution: Give the solution and explain
- Effects: Point out the possible effects
 3. Problem and Solution Essay
Body structure 2: Problem and Solution
1. Paragraph 1: Problems
- Topic sentence: State the problems
- Explanation: Explain the problems
- Example: Give the example for the problems
2. Paragraph 2: Solutions
- Topic sentence: State the solutions for each problem
- Explanation/Example: Explain the solutions
- Effects: Point out the possible effects of each solution
 3. Problem and Solution Essay
Note:
1. Give each of your opinion/idea clear explanation and
example. If you think that you have enough time, you
can make 2 but NO MORE THAN 2 IDEAS.
2. There are some instructions that tells you to write
about the cause or the problem or the solutions only.
If that happens, stick to what the instructions tell you
to do
One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic
congestion.
What do you think the causes are? What solutions
can you suggest?

1. Paragraph 1 2. Paragraph 2
- Cause? - Cause?
- Solution? - Solution?
- Effects? - Effects?
Nowadays many people complain that they have difficulties
getting enough sleep.
What problems can lack of sleep cause?
What can be done about lack of sleep?
The internet has transformed the way information is
shared and consumed, but it has also created
problems that did not exist before.
What are the most serious problems associated with
the internet and what solutions can you suggest?
The movement of people from agricultural areas to
cities to work can cause serious problems in both
places.
What are the serious problems and what measures
can be taken to solve this problem?
Discussion Essay
 4. Discussion Essay
Instruction hints:
1. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
2. Discuss both these views and then give your own
opinion.
3. Discuss both sides of this argument and give your
own opinion
• You must give your own opinion on both of the view.
• You can briefly state your opinion on the views in the Introduction
 4. Discussion Essay
Body structure: If you support any view, it should be longer
1. Paragraph 1: View 1
- Topic sentence: Paraphrase the first view
- Explanation: Give support evidence for the view
- Example: Give an example for the view
2. Paragraph 2: View 2
- Topic sentence: Paraphrase the second view
- Explanation: Give support evidence for the view
- Example: Give an example for the view
 4. Discussion Essay
Note:
1. Give each of your opinion/idea clear explanation and
example.
2. If you support a view, state briefly in your
introduction, conclusion and support more in-depth
ideas in the paragraph of that view (make in longer
than the other one)
3. If you support both views, you should provide clear
evidences for both.
Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be
closed down. Others, however, believe that zoos can
be useful in protecting wild animals.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

1. Paragraph 1 2. Paragraph 2
- View 1? - View 2?
- Explanation? - Explanation?
- Example? - Example?
Completing university education is thought by some to
be the best way to get a good job. On the other hand,
other people think that getting experience and
developing soft skills is more important.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Some people believe that pop stars deserve to earn
more money than classical music performers. Some
disagree.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
 Two-direct
questions Essay
What is a “two-direct questions
essay”?
Consumers are faced with increasing numbers of
advertisements from competing companies.
- To what extent do you think are consumers
influenced by advertisements?
- What measures can be taken to protect them?

Instruction hints: There are 2 questions which are

related to the topic.
 5. Two-direct questions Essay
1. Paragraph 1: Answer question 1
- Topic sentence: Paraphrase the first view
- Explanation: Give support evidence for the view
- Example: Give an example for the view

2. Paragraph 2: Answer question 2

- Topic sentence: Paraphrase the second view
- Explanation: Give support evidence for the view
- Example: Give an example for the view
Fossil fuels are essential for producing electricity, powering
industry and fueling transportation. However, one day we
will reach a point when all the world’s fossil fuels have
been depleted.
- How can we conserve these resources?
- What are some alternatives to fossil fuels?
1. Paragraph 1 2. Paragraph 2
- Answer 1? - Answer 2?
- Explanation? - Explanation?
- Example? - Example?
Some parents buy their children whatever they ask for, and
allow their children to do whatever they want.
Is this a good way to raise children?
What consequences could this style of parenting have for
children as they get older?
In some parts of the world, people try to find out one’s
own family history.
Why do people do this?
Do you think it is positive or negative?
In many countries, people increasingly talk about
money such as how much they earn or how much
they pay for things in their daily conversations.
Why are they doing this?
Is this a positive or negative trend?
SOME TIPS FOR
WRITING TASK 2
1. The answer MUST BE relevant to
the questions
* Do:
- Make sure your ideas are directly related to the question
- Use ideas and examples that you are familiar with, and that relate directly to
the topic
- Extend your answer to include a number of ideas that will support the
question.

* Don’t:
- Include irrelevant information
- Produce a memorised essay
- Present ‘recent’ research or statistics related to the topic “At least 41% of
all men…”
2. Avoiding over-generalisation

• Overgeneralisation is used for sb who states an idea

which is true in all cases.
• Ex: No one gets an 7.0 IELTS band score.
• Ex: Everyone loves cats more than dogs
 2. Avoiding over-generalisation
• How to avoid?
• Avoid using ‘absolute’ words: always, never, none, all, every, must
• Avoid using Simple Present for opnions
• Use hedging language, cautious language (next slide)
• Use modal verbs for uncertainty/ability: can, could, may, might
• Use quantifiers: some, many, a lot of, a few, most, little,…
• Use adverb of degree: mainly, significantly, almost, considerably,…
• Use adverb of frequency: often, usually, sometimes, rarely,…
• Use adverb of probability: possibly, likely, perhaps, probably, unlikely
Practice: rewrite the sentences
to avoid over generalisation
1. Modern society judges an individual's calibre based
on their social standing and monetary properties.
2. Underperforming primary schoolers must not
continue to study in higher levels education.
3. All of the jobs available require employees to
improve their specialised skills.
3. Organise your essay logically, with clear
progression and using liking phrases
3. Write formally: Avoid these in
your writing
1. Avoid informal words, including slangs and colloquials
2. General, common or less defined words (get, things, stuff)
3. Informal grammar: Avoid first person singular and plural
pronouns, second person pronoun, ‘have got’, ‘pretty’, ‘like’ as
a preposition
4. Spoken English phrases: ‘anyhow’, ‘that’s for sure’, ‘maybe’
and ‘gonna’.
5. Abbreviations ‘eg’, and ‘etc.’
6. Phrasal verbs, you should use more formal single words.
7. Figures: support your ideas with claims/statements
4. Save lots of time
by making an
outline
5. Use a wide variety of complex
structures correctly
Most common mistakes made by students:
1. Relative clauses 6. Articles
2. Conditionals 7. Prepositions
3. Sequence of tenses 8. S-V agreement
4. Passives 9. Word formation
5. Gerunds/to-infinitives 10. Punctuation
GOOD LUCK!