What Is the Difference Between 4 Types of Essay in IELTS?

Whether you are a student or a professional, one of the most challenging things you may ever encounter is writing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) essay. The IELTS is a solemn English test for international migration, study, and work. When you prepare to write it, please note that the very first rule of IELTS is to respond to the question. To do this effectively, you must first understand the type of paper you are working on. There are four main types of essay in IELTS, including:

• Opinion essays

In IELTS, an opinion essay requires writers to demonstrate what they think or feel about an issue. In this type of writing, it helps to come up with a topic on which you have strong feelings. You should also support your opinions with sound reasoning. In the event that you are asked direct questions for the essay, decide how one-sided or balanced you wish to be in the paper. You could either focus on one side or both sides of the question, depending on your point of view. For instance, when asked whether you agree or disagree, you could choose to either agree or disagree, and to what extent.

The first step when writing a good opinion essay is to organize your thoughts and present your arguments in clear and coherent manner. Begin by working out the structure of your paper even before the writing process. In your introduction, rephrase the question, highlighting what you intend to achieve. In the body paragraphs, present your ideas, supporting your opinions with arguments, examples, and explanations. In the conclusion, synthesize your points and restate your opinion. Regarding voice, since the opinion essay communicates the writer’s feelings and thoughts, make sure that your readers hear your voice.

• Problem and solution essays

Of the four types of essay in IELTS, problem-solutions are probably the most common. Unlike the opinion essays that seek your judgment or feelings regarding an issue, this type of essay writing considers the problems of a particular nature or scenario. It searches for a solution for those issues. In terms of structure, problem-solution essays resemble cause-effect essays. The main steps in writing this type of essay include situation, problem, solution, and evaluation. The situation element may be included in the essay prompt, and thus may not be required in the body of the essay. The situation paints a picture of the problem and is sometimes included in the introduction. In the introduction, set the context by offering some background information needed to understand the problem.

A critical element of quality problem-solution essays is a strong thesis statement. Here, the thesis statement varies according to your topic, your targeted audience, and the amount of information you have. You could choose to have a thesis that argues for one main solution or one that highlights an urgent need to deal with the problem.

In the body paragraphs of your problem-solution essay discuss the causes of the problem. The better the problem and its implications are understood the better the solution.
The next issue to discuss in the body of the problem-solution essay are the options available for solving the problem. Consider the resources available, and the feasibility of each solution. What are the strengths? Are there any drawbacks? This discussion must employ logical thinking, considering all sides and exploring for repercussions. After the analysis, pick one solution, highlighting why it is better than the other alternatives.

• Comparison essay

Unlike the opinion and problem-solution types of essay in IELTS, compare and contrast papers focus on two texts or items that are similar in certain ways, yet different in others. You could compare any number of items, including books, theories, people, events, or places. In the comparison essay, the IELTS examiners expect you to find out important points of differences and similarities after carefully reading the question in the prompt. Unless otherwise stated, you are supposed to assess both differences and similarities of the two objects.

Start your comparative essay by establishing a basis of comparison, where you present a main idea, theme or category that you intend to investigate. This must relate to both items, although the details will be different. You can organize your paper using either the block method or point-by-point method.

• Discussion essays

Discussion essays also know as for-and-against essays are commonly used in IELTS. Unlike the comparative writing that requires you to look at two connected items, the discussion essay asks you to look at two sides of the same situation or thing, and conclude by indicating the side you favour. Unlike the persuasive approach preferred for opinion essays, discussion essays prefer a more balanced approach, looking at both sides of the issue.

The use of evidence is particularly important in discussion essays. However, you must employ proper paraphrasing and citation to sound professional whenever you use the ideas from other sources in your work.

To summarize, this article outlines the four types of essay in IELTS. From the discussion, it is apparent that writing essays requires certain skills and considerations, which can make it a challenging undertaking. Luckily, you can always seek writing assistance from writing services like GradeMiners.com. This is a reliable and experienced agency that specializes in assisting students and professionals with writing tasks. The writers are highly qualified, with Master’s and Ph.D. qualifications. The site offers a controlled environment for engaging with writers, ensuring that your paper is delivered on time, and according to the essay prompt. To get the professional to work on your order, all you need to do is click on the ‘Order Now’ button.