Opinion Essays 2 Discussion Essays

Essay Structure
1) Introduction

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  Paraphrase the question
  
• 
  State 1 key problem/cause and related solution
  

2) Main body paragraph 1 – Problem or Cause

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  Topic sentence – state the problem or cause
  
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  Explanation – give detail explaining the problem or cause
  
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  Example – give an example
  

3) Main body paragraph 2 – Solution

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  Topic sentence – state the solution
  
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  Explanation – give detail explaining the solution
  
• 
  Example – give an example
  

4) Conclusion

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  Summarise the key points and state your opinion
  

4) Advantages & Disadvantages Essays
The first part of the question will be a statement. You will be asked to write about both the advantages and disadvantages of the idea stated.
Here is some typical wording that might be used:

• 
  What are the advantages and disadvantages of….?
  

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  Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
  

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  Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion.
  

Here are 3 examples of advantages and disadvantages essay questions:

Each of these different types of questions fits into one of two slightly different essay structures. We’ll look at these in detail on the main IELTS Task 2 Advantages & Disadvantages Essays page. For now, I’ll give you the basic structure.

Essay Structure
1) Introduction

• 
  Paraphrase the question
  
• 
  Outline the view or views stated the statement