There are 5 main types of essays: opinion essays, discussion essays, solution essays, direct question essays, and advantage/disadvantage essays.

Task response

Your task is to have an opinion, and to give reasons for your opinion. The number of words given must be adhered to. 

Examples

The question may be in the form of a statement, where you will be asked to what extent you agree or disagree with the statement.

Example: “The sciences are more important than the arts.” To what extent do you agree?

Or, the question may give you two opposing opinions, and ask you to decide which one you agree with.

Example: Some parents believe that children should be sent to co-ed schools, while some parents think that same-sex schools are better. What is your opinion?

Structuring the essay

Introduction: clarify what your opinion is.

3-4 Body paragraphs: give your reasons for your opinion.

Use one paragraph per reason/idea. Always include an example or two.

Conclusion: show how your reasons make your opinion the correct one.

Useful vocabulary

To show your opinion:

“I believe that…”

“However, I argue that…”

“I am of the opinion that…”

“In my opinion…”

Task response

Your task is to talk about all aspects of a particular topic or issue.

The question will be in the form of two opposing opinions. You have to discuss both sides in detail, including the reasons people might have for that opinion. In the end you must give your own opinion.

Example

While some believe that the death penalty is necessary for major crimes like murder and rape, others believe that other measures must be found. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Structuring the essay

Introduction: speak about the topic in your own words. Talk about how there are 2 sides to the topic.

1-2 body paragraphs: discuss one side of the topic. Use examples.

1-2 body paragraphs: discuss the second side. Use examples.

Conclusion: clarify which side you agree with and why.

Useful vocabulary

To show two sides of a topic:

“While some believe/say/are of the opinion that…, others believe/say/are of the opinion that…”

“On the other hand…”

“In contrast…”

Task response

Your task is to suggest a solution for a major problem, in detail.

In the question, a particular problem will be discussed, and you will be asked to give a solution to solve the problem – such as measures to prevent it, or measures to improve it.

Example

Too many girls in rural areas are prevented from attending school, due to social, cultural and economic reasons. What measures can you suggest to solve this problem?

Structuring the essay

Introduction: describe the problem in your own words. You can add why you think this problem needs to be solved. Then indicate that there are possible solutions.

3-4 body paragraphs: give your solutions to the problem. Use one paragraph per solution/idea. Always include an example or two.

Conclusion: show why you think these solutions will ultimately solve the problem.

Useful vocabulary

To indicate that a problem can be solved:

“However, the following measures may help prevent…”

“I believe that this issue may be resolved...”

“I argue that this problem can be curtailed...”

Task response

Your task is to answer the given question(s) in a detailed way.

You will simply be asked one or more questions about a particular topic, which you will have to talk about in detail.

Example

Some companies have introduced ‘menstrual leaves’ for female employees. Do you think that such a move is necessary?

Structuring the essay

Introduction: describe the topic in your own words

3-4 body paragraphs: answer the question. You may use multiple points to elaborate your answer. Each point must be written in its own paragraph, including the explanation and an example.

Conclusion: show why your answer to the question is correct and important.

Useful vocabulary

To show that your answer is correct:

“These reasons provide evidence that…”

“My arguments indicate that…”

“In light of this, I believe that…”

Task response

Your task is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a particular phenomenon.

Examples

You may be given a statement describing a phenomenon, and asked to write the advantages and disadvantages.

Example: Some parents believe that children should be given smartphones from a young age. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a phenomenon?

Or, you may be given a statement describing a phenomenon, and ask to compare and decide whether the advantages or disadvantages are more.

Example: Some people say that in future, online learning will be the main mode of education, instead of classrooms. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Structuring the essay

Introduction: speak about the topic in your own words. Talk about how there are both advantages and disadvantages.

1-2 body paragraphs: discuss the advantages. Use examples.

1-2 body paragraphs: discuss the disadvantages. Use examples.

Conclusion: clarify whether you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Useful vocabulary

To show that there are advantages and disadvantages:

“The advantages of… must be weighed against its disadvantages.”

“There are both pros and cons to…”

“The advantages and disadvantages of… must both be taken into consideration.”