IELTS General Training Task 2: Sample Questions and Plans

If you are taking IELTS General Training, Writing has a letter in Task 1 and an essay in Task 2. The essay is worth twice as much as the letter, so it matters most. It is the same type of essay as in Academic: at least 250 words, in about 40 minutes, on a general topic such as work, family, technology or the community. Below are three sample questions, one for each essay type you are likely to meet, with a plan for each.

Sample question 1: opinion (agree or disagree)

Some people think that children should start learning a foreign language at primary school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

• Introduction: paraphrase and state your view, for example that you agree.
• Body 1: young children learn pronunciation and grammar more naturally; give an example.
• Body 2: early exposure builds confidence and cultural awareness; mention a limit such as lack of qualified teachers.
• Conclusion: restate your view in different words.

Sample question 2: discussion (both views)

Some people prefer to work for a large company, while others prefer a small one. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

• Introduction: say both options exist and that you will discuss both.
• Body 1: large company: stable pay, training, clearer career path.
• Body 2: small company: more responsibility, closer team, faster progress.
• Conclusion: give your opinion, for example that the best choice depends on the stage of your career.

Sample question 3: problem and solution

In many cities, people complain about noise from traffic and building work. What problems does this cause, and what can be done about it?

• Introduction: say noise is a growing problem and name the two parts of the answer.
• Body 1: problems: poor sleep, stress, difficulty concentrating; add an example.
• Body 2: solutions: rules on working hours, sound barriers, more public transport; explain how each helps.
• Conclusion: summarise the problem and the most effective solution.

How the examiner marks Task 2

• Task Response: do you answer every part of the question with a clear position?
• Coherence and Cohesion: are your paragraphs logical and linked?
• Lexical Resource: is your vocabulary precise and varied?
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: do you use complex sentences with few errors?

Common mistakes

• Answering only half of a two-part question, such as giving problems but no solutions.
• Memorising an essay and fitting the topic to it. Examiners can tell, and it lowers Task Response.
• Writing under 250 words. This costs marks even if the essay is good.
• Using personal examples that are too long. One or two sentences are enough.

Practise under timed conditions

Pick one of the questions above, set a 40-minute timer and write it without notes. Then compare it with the plan. Our Writing practice tests include General Training tasks, and our guide to General Training letters covers Task 1. For more advanced structures, see Task 2 essay types and how to score band 8.