Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
The Five Question Types
1. Opinion (Agree/Disagree)
The prompt gives a statement and asks: “To what extent do you agree or disagree?” You must take a clear position and maintain it throughout. You may fully agree, fully disagree, or partially agree — but your stance must be consistent.
Structure: Introduction (paraphrase + thesis) → Body 1 (main argument) → Body 2 (supporting argument) → Conclusion
2. Discussion (Both Views + Opinion)
The prompt presents two opposing views and asks you to “discuss both views and give your own opinion.” You must cover both perspectives before stating which you find more convincing.
Structure: Introduction → Body 1 (View A) → Body 2 (View B) → Your opinion → Conclusion
3. Advantages and Disadvantages
The prompt asks you to examine the positives and negatives of a trend, policy, or situation. Some questions ask “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?” — in which case you must also give a clear answer.
Structure: Introduction → Body 1 (Advantages) → Body 2 (Disadvantages) → Conclusion (with your position if asked)
4. Problem and Solution
The prompt identifies a social issue and asks you to discuss causes, effects, or solutions. Address all parts of the question.
Structure: Introduction → Body 1 (Problems/Causes) → Body 2 (Solutions) → Conclusion
5. Two-Part (Direct) Question
The prompt asks two distinct questions, both of which must be answered. Typically one question asks “why” and the other asks “what effect” or “what should be done.”
Structure: Introduction → Body 1 (Answer Q1) → Body 2 (Answer Q2) → Conclusion
How to Write a Strong Introduction
Your introduction needs just two things: a paraphrase of the question and your thesis statement. Two to three sentences is sufficient. Never waste time with generic openings like “In today’s modern world…”
See our Introduction writing guide for detailed examples.
How to Develop Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph should follow this pattern:
Topic sentence → Explanation → Example → Link back to thesis
The most common reason candidates score Band 5–6 instead of Band 7 is underdeveloped ideas. A single body paragraph with one sentence of argument and no example will not score well on Task Response. Develop each point fully.
How to Write a Conclusion
Restate your main position in different words. Do not introduce new ideas. Two sentences is enough. See our Conclusion guide for examples.
Common Mistakes That Lower Scores
| Mistake | Impact | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Not answering all parts | Max Band 5 for Task Response | Underline every instruction in the prompt |
| Unclear position | Limits Task Response score | State your thesis in the intro and reinforce in conclusion |
| Under 250 words | Penalised under Task Response | Practise writing 270–300 words in 40 minutes |
| Memorised phrases | Penalised under Lexical Resource | Learn vocabulary in context, not as fixed templates |
| No examples | Ideas appear underdeveloped | Include at least one specific example per body paragraph |
Explore Essay Types in Detail
⚖️ Advantages/Disadvantages
🔧 Problem/Solution
❓ Direct Questions
🔗 Cause & Effect
📝 Recent Topics
- Task 2 is worth double Task 1 — give it 40 minutes and prioritise it in preparation.
- Identify the question type before you start writing — each requires a different structure.
- Answer every part of the question; missing a part caps your Task Response at Band 5.
- Develop each body paragraph fully: topic sentence → explanation → example.
- Write 270–300 words. Under 250 is penalised; over 300 risks time pressure.
- Never use memorised templates — examiners will identify and penalise them.