IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion and Problem-Solution Essays 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student writes: 'Governments should banned fast food in schools.' What is the grammatical error?
- 'Should' must be followed by the base form: 'should ban', not 'should banned' (Correct answer)
- The subject 'Governments' is incorrect; it should be 'Government'
- 'Fast food' is a compound noun and cannot follow 'ban'
- 'In schools' should be replaced with 'within schools'
Correct answer: 'Should' must be followed by the base form: 'should ban', not 'should banned'
Modal verbs ('should', 'could', 'might') are always followed by the bare infinitive (base form without 'to'), so 'should ban' not 'should banned'.
Question 2: Which phrase best signals that you are about to introduce a solution to a previously stated problem?
- One effective measure that could address this issue is to... (Correct answer)
- In spite of this problem, it is clear that...
- For example, this problem is widespread because...
- On the other hand, the problem is less severe than previously thought...
Correct answer: One effective measure that could address this issue is to...
'One effective measure that could address this issue is to' is a clear, formal signal that the writer is transitioning from problem to solution.
Question 3: A candidate writes only one body paragraph for a 'discuss both views' essay. What is the most significant problem?
- It does not adequately address both views, directly reducing the Task Achievement score (Correct answer)
- It uses too few cohesive devices
- One paragraph is always too short to reach 250 words
- It means the writer cannot use contrast linkers
Correct answer: It does not adequately address both views, directly reducing the Task Achievement score
A single body paragraph cannot develop both views adequately; examiners need to see each view developed, which directly impacts Task Achievement.
Question 4: Which sentence most accurately uses 'although' to introduce a concession?
- Although online learning offers flexibility, it lacks the social interaction of traditional classrooms. (Correct answer)
- Although online learning offers flexibility, and it lacks social interaction.
- Online learning offers flexibility, although lacks social interaction.
- Although, online learning offers flexibility it lacks social interaction.
Correct answer: Although online learning offers flexibility, it lacks the social interaction of traditional classrooms.
'Although' introduces a subordinate concession clause; option A correctly places a full main clause after the comma, with no conjunction error.
Question 5: What is a 'band-lowering' use of personal examples in Task 2?
- Saying 'In my country, my uncle was fined for littering last year' instead of making a general claim (Correct answer)
- Using 'For example' to introduce a general supporting point
- Citing a named country as an illustrative example of a policy
- Using 'such as' to give specific examples of problems
Correct answer: Saying 'In my country, my uncle was fined for littering last year' instead of making a general claim
Highly personal anecdotes ('my uncle') are inappropriate in academic writing; general or country-level examples are preferred and score better.
Question 6: In a problem-solution essay about youth unemployment, which is the best thesis statement?
- This essay will examine the principal causes of youth unemployment and propose several measures that governments and businesses could adopt to resolve this growing issue. (Correct answer)
- Youth unemployment is a big problem and this essay will talk about it.
- Some people think youth unemployment is a problem, while others disagree.
- Youth unemployment is caused by laziness and lack of skills.
Correct answer: This essay will examine the principal causes of youth unemployment and propose several measures that governments and businesses could adopt to resolve this growing issue.
A strong thesis clearly signals the essay's structure (causes + solutions), uses formal vocabulary, and avoids both vague language and overly simplistic claims.
Question 7: Which of the following is the most formal and precise way to express 'a lot of people'?
- A significant proportion of the population (Correct answer)
- Lots of people
- A ton of people
- Many, many people
Correct answer: A significant proportion of the population
'A significant proportion of the population' is formal and precise, contrasting with the colloquial and imprecise alternatives that lower the Lexical Resource score.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion and Problem-Solution Essays 5
A student writes: 'Governments should banned fast food in schools.' What is the grammatical error?