Writing Task 2 · Getting started · Lesson 1 of 12
Analysing and paraphrasing the question
Before you write a single word, you need to know exactly what the question is asking. Learn a four-step plan, the three ways to paraphrase, and how to recognise every Task 2 question type.
In this lesson you will
- learn a four-step plan to use before you start writing
- find the topic words and instruction words in a question
- recognise the seven types of Task 2 question
- paraphrase the question by changing the words, the word forms and the word order
Step 1
Four steps to plan your essay
You have 40 minutes for Task 2. Spend the first 5 minutes planning. It saves time later and makes your essay much clearer.
- ParaphraseRewrite the key words of the question in your own words. This becomes your first sentence.
- Identify the typeDecide what kind of question it is. This tells you what each paragraph must do.
- BrainstormWrite down quick ideas, both for (+) and against (−). Choose the two strongest.
- StructurePlan your paragraphs: introduction, two body paragraphs, conclusion.
Two main ideas is enough. It is better to explain two ideas well, with a reason and an example for each, than to list five ideas without developing them.
Step 2
Find the key words
Every question has two kinds of key words:
- Topic words tell you what to write about (e.g. working from home, an office).
- Instruction words tell you what to do (e.g. to what extent, agree or disagree, discuss, outweigh).
Highlight the key words
Click a word once to mark it as a topic word, twice to mark it as an instruction word, and a third time to clear it. Mark only the key words.
topicinstruction
Many people believe working from home is better than going to an office. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The topic is a comparison: working from home vs an office, and whether one is better. The instruction is to what extent… agree or disagree: you must give your opinion and say how strongly you hold it (see Lesson 2).
Step 3
Identify the question type
Look at the instruction words. They tell you which type of essay to write. Each type has its own section in this course.
| Type | The question usually says… | You must… |
|---|---|---|
| Agree or disagree | To what extent do you agree or disagree? | Give your opinion and how strongly you hold it. |
| Outweigh | Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? | Weigh both sides and say which is greater. |
| Two-question (standard) | Two direct questions, e.g. Why…? What…? | Answer both questions, one paragraph each. No opinion needed unless asked. |
| Two-question (opinion) | Two questions, one asking for your view, e.g. Is this positive or negative? | Answer the first question, then give and support your opinion. |
| Advantages, disadvantages and opinion | Discuss the advantages and disadvantages… and give your own opinion. | Discuss both, then say which side you think is stronger. |
| Both sides and opinion | Some people think… Others think… Discuss both views and give your own opinion. | Explain both views fairly, then give your own. |
| Problem and solution | What are the causes / problems? What can be done / what measures can be taken? | Explain the causes or problems, then suggest solutions. |
Different names, same types: books and teachers use different names. A causes and solutions question is the same as a problem and solution essay. A discussion essay is a both sides and opinion essay. An opinion or argument essay is an agree or disagree essay.
What type of question is it?
Read each question and choose its type.
- Many people say that cooking and eating at home is better for the individual and the family than eating out in restaurants. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Some museums and art galleries charge admission fees, while others have free entry. Do you think the advantages of free admission outweigh the disadvantages?
- Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than work for a company or organisation. Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?
- Some people feel that entertainers such as film stars, pop musicians or sports stars are paid too much money. Do you agree or disagree? Which other types of jobs should be highly paid?
- In some countries, some school leavers choose to work or travel for a year between finishing secondary school and attending university. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this and then give your opinion.
- Some people think that online learning is more effective than classroom learning. Others believe that students learn better in a classroom. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- A rise in childhood obesity is a real threat to health, with an increasing number of children now classified as overweight. What are the causes of the problem and what measures can be taken to solve them?
- Working from home is becoming more popular. What are the reasons? Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
Step 4
Paraphrasing the question
Your first sentence should say what the question says, in your own words. If you copy the question, those words are not counted, and the examiner cannot see your range of vocabulary. There are three ways to paraphrase. The best paraphrases combine them.
| Technique | Question | Paraphrase |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Change the word (synonym) | working from home · advantages · disadvantages · many people | working from their house / residence · merits / benefits · drawbacks / downsides · a significant number of people |
| 2. Change the word form | more popular · advances in technology · people believe | the growing popularity of · technological advances · it is a common belief that |
| 3. Change the order of words | Due to advances in technology, working from home has become more popular. | Home-based work has become more prevalent due to developments in technology. |
Be careful: a paraphrase must keep exactly the same meaning. Don't change “many people” to “everyone”, or “better” to “the best”. Words with no real synonym (e.g. museum, university) can stay the same.
Find the synonym
All of these synonyms appear in the model answers in this course. Choose the best synonym for each word or phrase.
- working from home
- advantages
- disadvantages
- popular
- outweigh
- better
- advances in technology
- many people
Change the word form
Type the noun form of each word.
- popular → the growing of remote work
- develop → recent in technology
- believe → it is a common that…
- prevalent → the of home-based work
- efficient → higher levels of
- productive → an increase in
Which technique?
Which paraphrasing technique has been used in each example?
- is better than → is preferable to
- working from home is becoming more popular → the growing popularity of working from home
- Many people believe working from home is better. → Working from home is believed to be better by many people.
- advantages and disadvantages → merits and drawbacks
- technology has advanced → technological advances
Choose the best paraphrase
The question says: “Many people believe working from home is better than going to an office.” Which is the best paraphrase?
- Choose one:
- What is wrong with B?
Write your own paraphrases
Paraphrase the first sentence of each question. Try to use at least two techniques in each one.
- Many people say that cooking and eating at home is better for the individual and the family than eating out in restaurants.
- Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than work for a company or organisation.
- Some museums and art galleries charge admission fees, while others have free entry.
- A significant number of people feel that preparing meals at home is more beneficial for individuals and families than dining in restaurants.
- These days, a growing number of people prefer to work for themselves instead of being employed by a company.
- While some museums and galleries require visitors to pay an entrance fee, others can be visited free of charge.
Model answers and lesson materials by Tips4IELTS.