IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion and Problem-Solution Essays 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Task 2 prompt states: 'Traffic congestion is a serious problem in many cities. What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?' This is a:
- Problem-solution essay requiring causes and solutions (Correct answer)
- Discussion essay requiring two opposing views
- Opinion essay requiring the writer to agree or disagree
- Advantages-disadvantages essay
Correct answer: Problem-solution essay requiring causes and solutions
'What are the causes' and 'what measures could be taken to solve it' are the two explicit questions, defining this as a problem-solution (causes and solutions) essay.
Question 2: Which sentence is the most effective topic sentence for a paragraph about solutions to traffic congestion?
- Several measures could be adopted by governments to alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas. (Correct answer)
- Traffic congestion is a huge problem that affects many people every day.
- Some people think traffic congestion is caused by too many cars.
- In conclusion, traffic congestion requires immediate action.
Correct answer: Several measures could be adopted by governments to alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas.
An effective topic sentence for a solutions paragraph signals what the paragraph will cover (solutions/measures) and by whom (governments), setting up the supporting points.
Question 3: In a 'discuss both views and give your opinion' essay, where should the writer's opinion typically appear?
- In the introduction as part of the thesis and reiterated in the conclusion (Correct answer)
- Only in the conclusion, so as not to bias the discussion
- Never — the writer should remain neutral throughout
- In a separate paragraph between the two body paragraphs
Correct answer: In the introduction as part of the thesis and reiterated in the conclusion
Stating your opinion in the thesis and reaffirming it in the conclusion ensures Task Achievement and gives the essay clear direction.
Question 4: Which word or phrase most effectively shows cause and effect in a problem-solution essay?
- As a consequence of the increase in private car use, congestion has worsened significantly. (Correct answer)
- However, private car use has increased and congestion has worsened significantly.
- Private car use has increased; in conclusion, congestion has worsened.
- For example, private car use has increased, so congestion has worsened.
Correct answer: As a consequence of the increase in private car use, congestion has worsened significantly.
'As a consequence of' is a formal, precise cause-and-effect linker, more appropriate than 'so' or 'for example' for academic writing.
Question 5: A candidate writes: 'In my personal opinion, I personally believe that...' What band-lowering mistake does this contain?
- Redundancy — 'personal opinion' and 'personally believe' express the same idea twice (Correct answer)
- Use of first person, which is forbidden in Task 2
- Use of 'believe', which is too informal for Task 2
- Starting the sentence with 'In', which is always incorrect in academic writing
Correct answer: Redundancy — 'personal opinion' and 'personally believe' express the same idea twice
Redundant phrasing ('personal opinion' + 'personally believe') wastes words and signals weak vocabulary control, reducing the Lexical Resource score.
Question 6: Which conclusion correctly summarises a 'discuss both views' essay without introducing new ideas?
- In conclusion, while some believe fast food bans protect public health, others prioritise individual freedom; on balance, education campaigns are a more practical approach. (Correct answer)
- In conclusion, governments should ban fast food because obesity is rising rapidly across the world.
- In conclusion, there are many views about fast food and this is a complicated issue with no easy answer.
- In conclusion, I have discussed both sides of the argument in detail in the body paragraphs above.
Correct answer: In conclusion, while some believe fast food bans protect public health, others prioritise individual freedom; on balance, education campaigns are a more practical approach.
Option A restates both views, signals a balanced stance, and summarises the writer's position without introducing new arguments.
Question 7: Which of the following is a common band-lowering mistake in Task 2 essay conclusions?
- Introducing a new argument or piece of evidence that was not discussed in the body (Correct answer)
- Restating the main argument in different words
- Using 'In conclusion' as the opening phrase
- Summarising the two main points made in the body paragraphs
Correct answer: Introducing a new argument or piece of evidence that was not discussed in the body
Introducing new information in the conclusion is a structural error; all arguments must be developed in the body paragraphs.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion and Problem-Solution Essays 2
A Task 2 prompt states: 'Traffic congestion is a serious problem in many cities.
What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?' This is a: