IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion and Problem-Solution Essays 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Task 2 prompt states: 'Many people think that social media has had a largely negative effect on society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?' This requires:
- An opinion essay in which the writer clearly states and defends their position (Correct answer)
- A discussion essay presenting both sides equally without a personal view
- A problem-solution essay outlining causes and remedies
- An advantages-disadvantages essay with no personal conclusion
Correct answer: An opinion essay in which the writer clearly states and defends their position
'To what extent do you agree or disagree?' explicitly requests the writer's personal stance and degree of agreement, making this an opinion essay.
Question 2: Which sentence best demonstrates a concession followed by a counterargument?
- While it is true that social media connects people globally, it also fosters comparison and anxiety. (Correct answer)
- Social media connects people globally, therefore it causes anxiety.
- Social media causes anxiety; however, this is not proven.
- Despite connecting people, anxiety is a reason to ban social media.
Correct answer: While it is true that social media connects people globally, it also fosters comparison and anxiety.
'While it is true that...' is a classic concession structure; 'it also' introduces the counterargument, demonstrating sophisticated argumentation.
Question 3: In a problem-solution essay, what is the function of the second body paragraph?
- To propose practical solutions to the problem identified in the first body paragraph (Correct answer)
- To introduce a second, unrelated problem
- To provide more evidence that the problem exists
- To present the opposing view on whether the problem is real
Correct answer: To propose practical solutions to the problem identified in the first body paragraph
In a standard problem-solution structure, body paragraph 1 covers the problem (and often causes) and body paragraph 2 covers solutions.
Question 4: Which sentence correctly uses 'not only ... but also' to expand an argument?
- Social media not only spreads misinformation but also exacerbates mental health issues. (Correct answer)
- Social media not only spreads misinformation, but it exacerbates mental health issues also.
- Not only social media spreads misinformation but also exacerbates mental health issues.
- Social media spreads misinformation; not only that but also exacerbates mental health issues.
Correct answer: Social media not only spreads misinformation but also exacerbates mental health issues.
'Not only + verb phrase + but also + verb phrase' is the correct structure; this correlative conjunction adds a second, intensifying point.
Question 5: A student's essay about pollution has the topic sentence: 'Pollution is bad.' What is the main weakness?
- It is too vague to control a paragraph; it does not identify a specific argument or aspect of pollution (Correct answer)
- It uses the wrong tense — it should say 'Pollution was bad'
- It is written in active voice instead of passive voice
- It uses a short sentence, which always lowers Grammatical Range and Accuracy scores
Correct answer: It is too vague to control a paragraph; it does not identify a specific argument or aspect of pollution
A vague topic sentence ('Pollution is bad') gives no direction for the paragraph's argument; an effective topic sentence signals the specific claim the paragraph will support.
Question 6: Which linking phrase best introduces an example in a Task 2 body paragraph?
- For instance, in Singapore, strict fines for littering have significantly reduced pollution. (Correct answer)
- However, in Singapore, strict fines for littering have significantly reduced pollution.
- In conclusion, in Singapore, strict fines for littering have significantly reduced pollution.
- On the other hand, in Singapore, strict fines for littering have significantly reduced pollution.
Correct answer: For instance, in Singapore, strict fines for littering have significantly reduced pollution.
'For instance' correctly introduces an illustrative example; 'however' and 'on the other hand' signal contrast, and 'in conclusion' signals a summary.
Question 7: A candidate uses 'moreover', 'furthermore', 'additionally', and 'in addition' in the same paragraph. What is the likely examiner feedback?
- Over-reliance on additive linkers, with insufficient variety across different cohesive device types (Correct answer)
- Excellent range of linkers showing high Coherence and Cohesion
- Grammatical error, as additive linkers cannot be used multiple times
- Task Achievement issue, as these linkers are only appropriate in problem-solution essays
Correct answer: Over-reliance on additive linkers, with insufficient variety across different cohesive device types
Using too many additive linkers signals mechanical over-use rather than natural cohesion; examiners reward varied use of different types of cohesive devices.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion and Problem-Solution Essays 3
A Task 2 prompt states: 'Many people think that social media has had a largely negative effect on society.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?' This requires: