IELTS Writing Task 2 Teaching
Step-by-step writing support

IELTS Task 2 Essay Structures

Choose an essay type from the topic menu. The selected panel gives you a clear paragraph-by-paragraph structure that you can adapt to the question.

1. Causes and solutions

Read the complete structure carefully. Replace the bracketed prompts with ideas, reasons and examples related to your essay question.

WRITING SAMPLES 1. Causes and solutions Paraphrasing. The aforementioned is mainly because of the (Noun phrase) as well as the (noun phrase). However, there are a number of cogent solutions which should be implemented to deal with this tribulation. One of the predominant causative factors that has led/is leading/will lead to the situation/problem is the (Point-1) as (Reason of Point no. 1). The best example I can think of is (Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result).Not only this, but also (Point-2) adds/is adding/will lead on the predicament.This is because (Reason of Point no.2) One way to tackle this issue is (Solution-1).By doing this,(how that solution will eradicate problem). For instance,(Example of Reason). Another worthwhile step to counter this menace is (Solution 2).To expound, (how that solution will eradicate problem). In conclusion, (solution 1) and (solution 2) are effective in dealing with the issue. If these solutions were implemented, this phenomenon would soon suppress.
2.Problems and solutions Paraphrasing. The aforementioned has led/is leading/will lead to the tribulations such as (Problem no.1 in noun phrase) as well as (Problem no.2 in noun phrase). However, there are a number of cogent solutions which should be implemented to deal with this impediment. One of the predominant predicaments which may be faced/is facing/has faced is the (Point-1) as (Reason of Point no. 1). For instance (Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result). Not only this,but also (Point-2) is another major snag .This is because (Reason of Point no.2) One way to tackle this issue is (Solution-1).By doing this,(how that solution will eradicate problem).For instance,(Example of Reason). Another worthwhile step to counter this menace is (Solution 2).To explicate, (how that solution will eradicate problem). In conclusion, (solution 1) and (solution 2) are effective in dealing with the issue. If these solutions were implemented, this phenomenon would soon suppress.
3.WHEN ADVANTAGES OUTWEIGH DISADVANTAGES (OPINION) Paraphrasing. In my sagacious contention, even though it might bring little trouble, it provides more benefits such as (first benefit in noun phrase) as well as (Second benefit in noun phrase). Despite the drawback below, I believe that one of the meritorious advantages is the (first benefit) as (Reason of Point no. 1). For instance,(Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result). Another positive outlook of this is the (Point-2). This is because (Reason of Point no.2). Admittedly, one basic obstruction related to this issue is (Drawback) .To expound, (Reason of Point no. 1). However, this situation can be tackled with the help (solution) or it is a myth (explain how).For instance,(Example of Reason). In conclusion, while (Topic) can create negligible issue of (Drawback), (with the help of (solution) this can be curtailed or which is just an illusion), advantages cannot be neglected.
4.WHEN DISADVANTAGES OUTWEIGH ADVANTAGES(OPINION ) Paraphrasing. In my sagacious contention, even though it might bring about little benefit, it creates/must create serious predicaments such as (first drawback in noun phrase) as well as (Second drawback in noun phrase) Admittedly, one basic benefit is the (benefit) as (Reason of Point no. 1). However, this (benefit) can be taken with the help (way1 through which that benefit can be taken) or it is just an illusion. For instance, (Example of Reason). On the other hand, I believe it could face serious drawbacks. One potentially dangerous problem is (Drawback 1).To expound, (Reason of Point no. 1).For instance, (Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result). Another possible obstruction is (Drawback 2) since (Reason of Drawback no.2). In conclusion, while (Topic) can provide negligible benefit of (advantage) which can be taken with other alternative way or which is just an illusion; the disadvantages of it can be devastating.
5.WHEN ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES(WITHOUT OPINION ) Paraphrasing. There are some pros of (topic) such as (Advantage-1) as well as (Advantage-2).However cons also ought to be taken into account. On the on hand, one of the principal advantages is the (first benefit) as (Reason of Point no. 1). For instance,(Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result). Another positive outlook of this is the (Point-2).This is because (Reason of Point no.2). On the other hand, One potentially dangerous problem is (Drawback 1).To expound, (Reason of Drawback no. 1). For instance,(Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result). Another possible obstruction is (Drawback 2) since (Reason of Drawback no. 2). In conclusion, while (Topic) can give benefits, it can also create some serious pitfalls, such as (Disadvantage-1 in noun phrase) as well as (Disadvantage-2).
6. Agree and Disagree Essay(If you are 100% agree) Paraphrasing. In my sagacious contention, I vehemently accord (agree) with this notion due to (its positive effects/numerous benefits) / copious reasons such as (point 1 of bp1 in noun phrase) as well as (point 1of bp2 in noun phrase) The chief rationalization for my agreement comes from heterogeneous (numerous) points. Firstly, the most discernible nub is (Point no 1) as (Reason of Point no. 1). An optimal example for this can be (Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result).Another paramount ground for my belief is the (Point-2). This is because (Reason of Point no.2). One more rationale to substantiate my crux is the (point No.3). To expound, (Reason of Point no. 1).For instance, (Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result).Last but not the least, another considerable factor of my opine is (point No.4) since (Reason of Point no. 4) In conclusion, I believe(subject of the question) will not only / not only (verb point no.2 bp1) but also (verb +point no.2 bp2)
7.Agree and Disagree Essay( (If you are 100% Disagree) Paraphrasing. In my sagacious contention, I vehemently disaccord (disagree) with this notion due to its adverse effects/numerous drawbacks/ copious reasons such as (point 1 of bp1 in noun phrase) as well as (point 1of bp2 in noun phrase) The chief rationalization for my disagreement comes from heterogeneous (numerous) points. Firstly, the most discernible nub is (Point no 1) as (Reason of Point no. 1). An optimal example for this can be (Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result). Another paramount ground for my belief is the (Point-2). (Point-2). This is because (Reason of Point no.2). One more rationale to substantiate my crux is the (point No.3). To expound, (Reason of Point no.1).For instance, (Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result). Last but not the least, another considerable factor of my opine is (point No.4) since (Reason of Point no. 4). In conclusion, I believe (subject of the question) will not only / not only (verb point no.2 bp1) but also (verb +point no.2 bp2).
8.Agree and Disagree Essay(If you have the another solutions to solve the problem) FORMAT Paraphrasing. In my sagacious contention, I vehemently disaccord with this notion due to (point 1 in noun phrase) as well as (point 2 in noun phrase), so other alternative methods can be used to deal with the problem. The chief rationalization for my disagreement comes from heterogeneous (numerous) points.Firstly, the most discernible nub is (Point no 1) as (Reason of Point no. 1). An optimal example for this can be (Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result). Another paramount ground for my belief is the (Point-2). This is because (Reason of Point no.2). One of the alternative solutions is (point No.1) because (Reason of Point no. 1). For instance,(Example of Reason).Consequently, (result). For instance,(Example of Result if you want to fit example here). One more worthwhile approach is (point No.2) as (Reason of Point no. 2) In conclusion, it is not fruitful to (topic question). A better solution is to use alternative methods to reduce the problem of (problem name).
9.Agree and Disagree Essay(If you are agree as well as Disagree 50-50) Paraphrasing. While I believe that (topic) is mainly beneficial to (for whom it is beneficial), I agree that they have had a damaging effect on (for whom it is not beneficial). With regards to (for whom it is beneficial), the impact that (topic) has had positive impact as (Reason 1). For instance,(Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result).In addition, another major undeniable reason is the (Reason-2). On the other hand, the effect that (topic) have had on (for whom it is detrimental) can only be seen as negative. As (Reason of Point no. 1). For instance,(Example of Reason). Consequently, (result). Another major deniable reason is (Reason 2). This is because (Reason of Point no.2). To conclude, although (topic) have brought (positive impact) on (for whom it is beneficial), they have not had the same effect on (for whom it is not beneficial).
10.Both view Essay and opinion Paraphrasing. In my sagacious contention, I vehemently accord (agree) with the latter view/Former view due to the efficacy in their reasons such as (point 1) as well as (point 2). On the one hand, crusaders of prior viewpoint contend due to (point no 1). This is because (Reason of Point no. 1). However, I do not agree with their standpoint. To expound, (Reason why you are not agree with it) .For instance, (Example of Reason). On the other hand, advocates of latter viewpoint opine because of (point no 1) as (Reason of Point no. 1). For instance,(Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result). Into the bargain, another paramount ground for their belief is the (Point-2) since (Reason of Point no. 2) In conclusion, even though people may vary in their opinions, I believe (paraphrase the statement on which side you have) is more effectual.
11.Both views only not an opinion Paraphrasing. As well as(point no.1),the view point of former is also owing to (point no. 2).However, (second topic point 1) as well as (second topic point 2) are the predominant reason of the latter view point thinkers. On the one hand, crusaders of prior viewpoint contend due to (point no 1). For instance, (Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result). Furthermore, another considerable factor of their opine is (point No.2) as (Reason of Point no. 2). On the other hand, advocates of later viewpoint opine because of (point no 1) as (Reason of Point no. 1). For instance,(Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result). Into the bargain, another paramount ground for their belief is the (Point-2) since (Reason of Point no. 2). In conclusion, many people think that (paraphrasing of first part of people’s thinking), whereas others think (paraphrasing of other people’s thinking) and everyone has different reasons for their thinking.
12.Positive or negative development(If you are negative side) Paraphrasing. In my sagacious contention, I vehemently accord (agree) that this is a negative development due to its adverse effects/numerous drawbacks to the society/country /copious reasons such as (point 1 of bp1 in noun phrase) as well as (point 1of bp2 in noun phrase). The chief rationalization for my agreement regarding negative development comes from heterogeneous (numerous) points. . Firstly, the most discernible nub is (Point no 1) as (Reason of Point no. 1). An optimal example for this can be (Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result). For instance,(Example of Result if you want to fit example here). Furthermore, another paramount ground for my belief is the (Point-2). as (Reason of Point no. 2). This is because (Reason of Point no.2). One more rational to substantiate my crux is the (point No.3). To expound, (Reason of Point no. 1).For instance, (Example of Reason).Consequently, (result). Last but not least, another considerable factor of my opine is the (point No.4) since (Reason of Point no. 4) In conclusion, I believe (subject of the question) will not only / not only (verb point no.2 bp1) but also (verb +point no.2 bp2)
13.Positive or negative development(If you are Positive side) Paraphrasing. In my sagacious contention, I vehemently accord (agree) that this is an optimistic expansion due to its positive impacts on the society/country/ copious reasons such as (point 1 of bp1 in noun phrase) as well as (point 1of bp2 in noun phrase) The chief rationalization for my agreement regarding positive development comes from heterogeneous (numerous) points. Firstly, the most discernible nub is (Point no 1) as (Reason of Point no. 1). An optimal example for this can be (Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result). Furthermore, another paramount ground for my belief is the (Point-2).This is because (Reason of Point no.2). One more rationale to substantiate my crux is the (point No.3). To expound, (Reason of Point no. 1).For instance, (Example of Reason). Consequently, (result). Last but not least, another considerable factor of my opine is the (Point no. 4) Since (Reason of Point no. 4) In conclusion, I believe (subject of the question) will not only / not only (verb point no.2 bp1) but also (verb +point no.2 bp2)
14.Positive or negative development(If you are Positive side and negative side both) Paraphrasing. While I believe that (topic) is mainly beneficial to (for whom it is beneficial), I agree that they have had a damaging effect on (for whom it is not beneficial). With regards to (for whom it is beneficial), the impact that (topic) has had positive development as (Reason 1). For instance,(Example of Reason). As a consequence, (result). For instance, (Example of Result if you want to fit example here). Furthermore, another paramount ground for my belief is the (Point-2). On the other hand, the effect that (topic) have had on (for whom it is detrimental) can only be seen as negative as (Reason of Point no. 1). For instance,(Example of Reason).Consequently, (result).. Another major deniable reason is (Reason 2). This is because (Reason of Point no.2). To conclude, although (topic) have brought (positive impact) on (for whom it is beneficial), they have not had the same effect on (for whom it is not beneficial).
Paraphrasing Samples
IELTS Writing Task 2

Paraphrasing Samples

This page presents the paraphrasing content exactly as provided, without changing the wording.

Teaching Content

Only the selected topic is shown for easy teaching.

PARAPHRASING All IELTS writing task 2 essay introduction paragraphs contain: 1. Background statement = a paraphrase of the essay question 2. Thesis statement = your position or main points 1) How long should the introduction be? Most essays will require only two sentences for your introduction paragraph. You will need to write a background statement and a thesis statement. There is no need to write more. It won't help your score to add more to the introduction. Your introduction should usually be between 40-60 words. Below are details of the content of an introduction paragraph.
2) Background statement: This is the first sentence of your essay and it paraphrases the essay question. This is the way to introduce the issue or issues given to you by IELTS because that is what your essay is responding to. Paraphrasing is a way to avoid copying directly from the essay question by using your own sentence. For example:
Essay Question 1 Science will soon result in people living to an average of 100 years or more. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Model Background Statement for IELTS: 1. People's lifespan is increasing due to developments in science and it is thought that people will soon have an average life expectancy of 100 years or longer. 2. Due to the development of science, people's life spans might be extended to 100 years or even longer. 3. People may one day live to be 100 years old or more owing to the development of science.
Essay Question 2 Some people prefer online classes, while others think it is better to be in a traditional classroom. Discuss both sides and give your opinion. Model Background Statements: 1. While there are people who prefer to take part in online courses, others believe that traditional classroom teaching is by far superior. 2. Online course are very popular with some people, however others still consider teacher led classrooms as the most effective way to learn. 3. Although online courses are preferred by some people, there are others who firmly believe that learning should take place in a classroom face to face with a teacher.
Essay Question 3 Many people try to find a balance between their work and other aspects of their life. However, few actually achieve this. What solutions can you suggest? Model Background Statements: 1. It is a common problem that people struggle to find a healthy balance between their work and other areas of their life. 2. Finding a balance between work and other areas of life can be a challenge that some people struggle with. 3. While many people wish for a healthy work-life balance, few are able to realise this.
Essay Question 4 There has been an increase in the number of children and youngsters committing crime. What are the reasons for this and punishments should they receive? Model Background Statements: 1. The number of crimes involving children and adolescents has risen over recent years. 2. Children and teenagers appear to be involved in an increasing number of crimes. 3. It has been observed that juvenile crime is on the rise.
Essay Question 5 In some cities and towns all over the world, the high volume of traffic is a problem At present, vehicles have increased by many folds on roads across the globe and the problem of traffic congestion is looming large, specifically, in metro cities. Essay Question 6 Some people think that in order to solve traffic and transportation problems people should be encouraged to live in cities rather than in suburbs or in the countryside. It is often thought that people should live inside the cities instead of living on the outskirts of the city in order to solve the traffic and transportation problems. Essay Question 7 The impact that the growing demand for more flights has had on the environment is a major concern for many countries. Some people believe that one way to limit the number of people travelling by air is to increase tax on flights. Over the recent years, demand for flights has increased which is affecting the environment adversely and It is sometimes thought that the best method to solve this problem to surge the tax on flights. Essay Question 8 Some people think that it should be compulsory for people to retake their driving test every 5 years. It is often thought that retesting of driving skills after every five years ought to be mandatory.
Essay Question 9 Some people think an international car-free day is an effective way to reduce air pollution. Others think there are more effective ways do to this. While a few people believe that a day without cars across the world is a helpful way to increase the air quality, others are of the opinion that we should adopt other ways to preserve our environment and reduce air pollution. Essay Question 10 One way to solve the problem of congestion on the roads is to increase the tax on private vehicles. Escalating the tax on personal vehicles will make them unaffordable and thus reduce the number of vehicles and traffic congestion on the roads. Essay Question 11 Some people think that in order to deal with the problem of congestion in cities, privately owned vehicles should be banned in city centers, while others consider this to be an unrealistic solution. While many people believe that prohibiting automobiles from entering large cities is the appropriate measure to tackle the congestion issue, others disagree with this idealism. Essay Question 12 Some people think that in order to deal with the problem of congestion in cities, privately owned vehicles should be banned in city centers, while others consider this to be an unrealistic solution. While many people believe that prohibiting automobiles from entering large cities is the appropriate measure to tackle the congestion issue, others disagree with this idealism.
Essay Question 13 A poor infrastructure hinders under-developed countries from progressing and modernizing. Some people think that this should be the first problem tackled by foreign aid. Most developing countries fail to grow beyond a certain level because of the lack of adequate infrastructure. Hence, some people argue that foreign assistance should be primarily used to tackle this problem. Essay Question 14 One way to solve the problem of congestion in cities is to build sky trains which run overhead rather than on or under the ground. It is often thought that building sky trains is a better way to solve traffic problems in cities than building ground railways or underground tube. Essay Question 15 In recent years, many small local shops have closed because customers travel to large shopping centres or malls to do their shopping. Is this a positive or a negative development? It is true that shopping malls have had a profound impact on the business of small shops and as a result of this, many local vendors have closed their shops.
Tips for IELTS Background Statements 1. Don't write a very long background statement. It doesn't help your score to do that and wastes valuable time. 2. Try to write your background statement as one complex sentence, to do that, use a clause and correct linking. 3. Don't paraphrase unless you are 100% sure your word is perfect. Not all words can be changed in English. Be selective when you paraphrase. Paraphrasing is a skill about when to change something and also when NOT to change something. 4. Don't aim to impress - aim for accuracy instead. 5. You don't always need to start your background with "some people..". See all the options above. 6. You should not start your essay with overused expressions that are popular with low level English users, such as "In the modern era," or "With the advent of modern technology." 7. Avoid learning expressions which you think will impress the examiner "A hot debate.." / "a burning question.." "a highly controversial issue..". The examiner is trained to spot these learned expressions. They don't help your Score and show a lack if individuality in your language. You need to write each sentence in your own words, unique to yourself