IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion and Problem-Solution Essays 5

Question 1

A student writes: 'Governments should banned fast food in schools.' What is the grammatical error?

Accepted Answer

'Should' must be followed by the base form: 'should ban', not 'should banned'

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

One effective measure that could address this issue is to...

Answer

'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?

Accepted Answer

It does not adequately address both views, directly reducing the Task Achievement score

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Although online learning offers flexibility, it lacks the social interaction of traditional classrooms.

Answer

'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?

Accepted Answer

Saying 'In my country, my uncle was fined for littering last year' instead of making a general claim

Answer

Highly personal anecdotes ('my uncle') are inappropriate in academic writing; general or country-level examples are preferred and score better.

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