IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion and Problem-Solution Essays 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended minimum word count for IELTS Writing Task 2?
- 250 words (Correct answer)
- 150 words
- 200 words
- 300 words
Correct answer: 250 words
IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a minimum of 250 words; writing fewer results in a penalty under Task Achievement.
Question 2: Which statement about thesis statements in Task 2 is correct?
- A thesis statement should clearly state the writer's position or the essay's main argument in the introduction (Correct answer)
- A thesis statement must be placed in the middle of the essay for balance
- A thesis statement should list every argument that will appear in the body paragraphs in detail
- A thesis statement is optional and only needed for opinion essays
Correct answer: A thesis statement should clearly state the writer's position or the essay's main argument in the introduction
A thesis statement in the introduction orients the reader to the writer's position or the essay's approach; it is required for all Task 2 essay types.
Question 3: In a 'discuss both views' essay, what is the risk of writing only one body paragraph for each view?
- Nothing, as long as each paragraph is well-developed with a topic sentence, supporting points, and examples (Correct answer)
- It guarantees a low score because four body paragraphs are always required
- It means the essay cannot include a personal opinion
- It violates the IELTS word count requirement
Correct answer: Nothing, as long as each paragraph is well-developed with a topic sentence, supporting points, and examples
Two well-developed body paragraphs (one per view) is the standard approach; as long as each is fully developed, this structure scores well.
Question 4: Which sentence most effectively paraphrases the prompt 'Some people believe technology has made life more stressful'?
- It is argued by some that technological advancements have increased stress levels in modern society. (Correct answer)
- Some people believe technology has made life more stressful.
- Technology is stressful according to some people.
- A number of individuals have a belief that technology makes stress in life more.
Correct answer: It is argued by some that technological advancements have increased stress levels in modern society.
Option A paraphrases the original using synonyms ('it is argued', 'technological advancements', 'stress levels') and restructures the grammar without copying the original wording.
Question 5: A candidate writes 'This is a very important issue that many people think is very important.' What band-lowering error is this?
- Lexical repetition ('very important' used twice) and weak vocabulary (Correct answer)
- Grammatical error in the relative clause
- Inappropriate use of first person
- Incorrect essay type identification
Correct answer: Lexical repetition ('very important' used twice) and weak vocabulary
Repeating 'very important' in the same sentence shows poor vocabulary control and directly impacts the Lexical Resource score.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes a 'balanced' approach to a discuss both views essay?
- Giving equal paragraph space to each view before stating a clear personal opinion in the conclusion (Correct answer)
- Refusing to give any personal opinion so both views are treated equally throughout
- Spending more words on the view you agree with to make your opinion clearer
- Writing one view in the introduction and the other view in the conclusion
Correct answer: Giving equal paragraph space to each view before stating a clear personal opinion in the conclusion
A balanced discussion allocates equal paragraph space to both views and then clearly states the writer's position; this satisfies 'discuss both views AND give your opinion'.
Question 7: Which sentence is an example of a problem-solution link using formal language?
- To combat this problem, governments could invest in public transport infrastructure. (Correct answer)
- To combat this problem, governments could spend more on buses and trains.
- The problem is serious, so governments should do something about it.
- Governments need to fix this problem with better transport.
Correct answer: To combat this problem, governments could invest in public transport infrastructure.
'To combat this problem' is a formal discourse signal; 'invest in public transport infrastructure' uses precise, academic vocabulary appropriate for Task 2.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion and Problem-Solution Essays 4
What is the recommended minimum word count for IELTS Writing Task 2?