Much like IELTS Writing Task 1 essays, you can organise Task 2 essays into different types.
In my experience, there are 2 main types of IELTS Writing Task 2 essays.
These are not official types and it will not say this on your exam paper, but being able to identify which type of essay (and therefore what exactly you need to write) can make an important difference to your score.
There are 4 parts to the IELTS Writing Task 2 criteria.
Adapting your essay structure and vocabulary to suit a Descriptive or Position task will affect one key part of the criteria: Task Response.
This is because you need to present an ‘appropriate format’ and ‘address all parts of the task’ to earn a good band for your Task 2 essay. Responding to all types of tasks in exactly the same way can negatively affect this score.
Unlike Descriptive Tasks, Position Tasks present 1 or 2 viewpoints and then ask you to take a position or present your own opinion. It can help you think more clearly about your position if you re-write the task as a yes-no question.
I have done this in the examples below:
In the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers. Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people think it is better to stay in the same job all your life. Others think it is better to do different jobs throughout your career. Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.
Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar. Do you agree or disagree?
The reason we are distinguishing these kinds of questions from [Descriptive Tasks] is because of the Task Response criteria. In Position Tasks, to score Band 9.0 in Task Response you must: “present a fully developed position in answer to the question with relevant, fully extended and well supported ideas”
Being a celebrity – such as a famous film star or sports personality – brings problems as well as benefits. Do you think that being a celebrity has more benefits or more problems?
The best way to plan a holiday is by not planning at all. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some people say that now we can see films on our phones or tablets there is no need to go to the cinema. Others say that to be fully enjoyed, films need to be seen in a cinema. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Just how Descriptive Tasks require a specific approach, Position Tasks should also contain certain parts in their introductions.
Compare these descriptive and position task introductions.
| Descriptive Task | Position Task |
| 1. Introduce the topic (try to say it in your own words) 2. Outline the two questions you will address. (Body 1 and Body 2) | 1. Introduce the topic (try to say it in your own words) 2. Outline the two sides of the argument given in the task 3. State your position |
| Many working people get little to no exercise either during the working day or in their free time, and have health problems as a result. Why do many working people not get enough exercise? What can be done about this problem? | Working long hours causes a great deal of stress and can be very bad for one’s health. The government must find a way to reduce this type of stress. To what extent do you agree or disagree? |
| The lack of physical activity in people’s daily lives has been linked to an increasing number of health-related ailments. This essay will explore some reasons behind this trend and share some possible solutions that could encourage more people to lead more active and healthier lives. | Stress levels through overwork have been repeatedly linked to poor health. As a result, some believe that the government should step in to protect workers from this stress. While I do believe that governments can help a little, I think most of the responsibility should be shouldered by employers themselves. |
If you receive a position task that asks you to: “Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.” There are particular phrases you can use in your Thesis Statement:
For example:
| Descriptive Task | Position Task |
| 1. Introduce the topic (try to say it in your own words) 2. Outline the two questions you will address. (Body 1 and Body 2) | 1. Introduce the topic (try to say it in your own words) 2. Outline the two sides of the argument given in the task 3. State your position |
| In some countries, more and more local shops are closing down because so many people now shop online. What problems might this cause? What is the best way to deal with this problem? | Some people like to try new things, for example, places to visit and types of food. Other people prefer to keep doing things they are familiar with. Discuss both these attitudes and give your own opinion. |
| The internet has completely changed the way people shop. However, the popularity of online shopping has brought about the closure of many smaller, local retailers. This essay will explore some problems this causes, and some potential solutions. | People’s preferences can vary widely from one person to another. Some people might choose to stick with what they know, while others might be more adventurous by visiting new places and trying new food. I find myself agreeing with those who think that it’s better to try new things. |
In all IELTS Task 2 essays, you will need to write at least 2 Body Paragraphs.
One body paragraph should focus on only one of the viewpoint of the topic. (Positive / Negative : Agree / Disagree)
Another key difference with Position Tasks is the structure and order of your Body 1 and Body 2 paragraphs.
To create a balanced argument that “covers all parts of the task”, put the weaker or losing side in Body 1 and the stronger or ‘winning’ side / position in Body 2.
Therefore, your position affects the arguments you write in Body 1 and Body 2.
Here are some example questions and the body paragraph layout based on my position.
If you receive a position task that asks you to: “Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.” There are particular phrases you can use in your Thesis Statement:
For example:
Because you are presenting a weaker side in Body 1, your reader needs to stay aware of your position throughout your essay.
It’s problematic if your Body 1 and Body 2 both have very strong arguments, because your position might become confusing. If both sides are strong, then why do you think the Body 2 arguments are stronger? Why did you choose one side over the other side?
Topic Sentences can help to avoid this problem.
Here are some Topic Sentences for Body 1 and Body 2 paragraphs that show the reader that you understand the losing side, but are not fully convinced by it.
The language in the topic sentences in Body 1 show that you understand but are not convinced by the arguments you will present.
The language in the topic sentences in Body 2 show that you believe and more strongly support the other side of the argument.
After your topic sentence, you should try to present 2 or 3 ideas that prove that the topic sentence is true.
Similar to Descriptive Task conclusions, your conclusion should summarise the main ideas of Body 1 and Body 2. It is also an opportunity to answer the question again.
You do not need to summarise every single individual argument from Body 1 and 2. This would make the conclusion too long and repetitive.
Here is an example:
Your conclusion does not have to contain any predictions about the future. Your conclusion should also address the question clearly. As in the example above:
Question: Do you think that being a celebrity has more benefits or more problems?
Conclusion: “I think these serious problems outweigh the benefits of being famous.”
—
Question: Smartphones are being used in classrooms more than ever before. Some people think that this aids the learning process, while others think that it hinders it. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Conclusion: “Therefore, [I side with those who believe that] smartphones can contribute effectively to a student’s education.”
There you go! A basic overview to IELTS Writing Task 2 Position Tasks.
Why not take one of the Position Task essays from this list and try to write your own essay?
You can learn about the structure and approach to the other main type of IELTS Writing Task 2 essay here.
In addition, more IELTS Task 2 blog posts about writing skills, grammar and language will also be posted in the coming weeks.
If you have any questions please leave a comment or email me at mark@markteacher.com
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