A Quick Guide to IELTS Essay Structure, With Sample

There are different types of essay structures in the IELTS test, particularly in Task 2 test. A good IELTS essay structure sample will help you understand the idea better. Getting a higher score in the writing module is not just about having good writing skills or writing lengthy paragraphs.

It’s also necessary to convey your opinions and become familiar with the different essay types and structures to craft the best answer possible. Knowing the proper essay structure can make you get the band score you deserve.

This article will look at how you can structure different types of IELTS essays effectively.

IELTS Essay Structure Sample

Having a clear idea of how to structure your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay can make a difference in the band score you get. Following the proper structure is crucial regardless of which essay type you choose. The following are some of the most common IELTS writing tasks described below.

1. Agree or Disagree Essay (Opinion Questions)

The Opinion Questions essays are also known as “agree or disagree” or “argumentative” essays. They are among the most typical IELTS Task 2 question categories.

The question will begin with a statement. After that, you’ll be invited to share your perspective on the assertion.

Here are some common languages that could be used in the question:

• What is your opinion?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Agree or Disagree Essay Structure:

Introduction

• Paraphrase the given question
• Share your opinion
• Outline two supporting ideas

Body Paragraph 1

• Write the topic sentence outlining the first reason for your view.
• Give an explanation for your ideas
• Provide an example for clarification

Body Paragraph 2

• Write the topic sentence outlining the second reason for your view.
• Give an explanation for your ideas
• Provide an example for clarification

Conclusion

• Summarize your opinion and the key supporting points.

2. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

In the advantage/disadvantage essay question, you are given a subject and asked to analyze its benefits and drawbacks. The question will begin with a statement. You will be required to write about the idea’s advantages and disadvantages.

Here are some common languages that could be used in the question:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of [something]?
• Do you believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and also give your opinion.

Advantage and Disadvantage Essay Structure:

Introduction

• Paraphrase the question in your own words
• Explain the viewpoint(s) expressed in the statement

Body paragraph 1 – Advantage

• Write the topic sentence stating one of the advantages
• Provide a detailed explanation of the first advantage
• Give an example
• Mention the result

Body paragraph 2 – Disadvantage

• Write the topic sentence stating one of the disadvantages
• Provide a detailed explanation of the disadvantage
• Give an example
• Mention the result

Conclusion

• Summarize the main ideas
• Give your opinion if necessary

3. Discussion Essay (Discuss Both Views Question)

You must discuss both sides of an argument in discussion essays. You’ll almost always be asked for your own viewpoint. The simplest strategy is to select one side to agree with and one to disagree with when answering an IELTS Task 2 question.

Discussion Essay Structure:

Introduction

• Paraphrase the main question in your own words
• State your opinion or perspective
• Mention two supporting reasons

Body Paragraph 1 – Negative Viewpoint

• Write the topic sentence mentioning the view you disagree with
• Provide an explanation for why some people hold this viewpoint
• Give an example

Body Paragraph 2 – Positive Viewpoint

• Write the topic sentence mentioning the view you agree with
• Provide an explanation for why some people have this viewpoint
• Give an example

Conclusion

• Restate the main ideas and express your thoughts briefly

Problem and Solution Essays

These are also known as “Causes and Solutions” Essays and are quite common in IELTS Task 2 questions. This type of question begins with a statement and then asks you to discuss the problems or issues and their possible solutions.

Problem and Solution Essay Structure:

Introduction

• Paraphrase the main question in your own words
• List one main cause/issue and its related solution

Body paragraph 1 – Problem or Cause

• Write a topic sentence and state the problem or cause
• Provide a detailed explanation of the problem or cause
• Give an appropriate example

Body paragraph 2 – Solution

• Write a topic sentence and state the solution
• Provide a detailed explanation of the solution
• Give an appropriate example

Conclusion

• Restate the main ideas and express your opinion

Conclusion

An essay has many different purposes, from simply discussing the benefits and drawbacks of a subject to convincing others of your viewpoint.

All essays need to be structured in a specific way to reach their intended purpose. And most students find it challenging to score high in the IELTS writing module.

So, you must ensure quality writing and the correct essay structure in IELTS writing. This guide will teach you how to put together an effective essay in no time.