IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Positive or negative development essay – Structure and template

A few years ago a new question was added to IELTS Essay task:

- Is this a positive or negative development?

It is very similar to Agree / Disagree Essay.

For example:

Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can study online.
Is this a positive or negative development?

A few years ago a new question was added to IELTS Essay task:

- Is this a positive or negative development?

It is very similar to Agree / Disagree Essay.

For example:

Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can study online.
Is this a positive or negative development?

Here is a simple structure for this type of essay

1) IF YOU THINK IT IS A POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT

1§ Introduction (2 SENTENCES): Paraphrase the Task + My Opinion: positive development

2§ Why is it positive? + Explanation + Example

3§ Why is it positive? + Explanation + Example OR result

4§ On the other hand, + Why negative? + Explanation + Example OR result

5§ Conclusion: sum up + My Opinion: positive development (2 SENTENCES)

2) IF YOU THINK IT IS A NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENT

1§ Introduction (2 SENTENCES): Paraphrase the Task + My Opinion: negative development

2§ Why is it negative?+ Explanation + Example

3§ Why is it negative? + Explanation + Example OR result

4§ On the other hand, + Why is it positive?+ Explanation + Example OR result

5§ Conclusion: sum up + My Opinion: negative development (2 SENTENCES)

4§ You can skip the opposite point of view part but your essay will look better if you write about it. This way it comes out as a balanced answer.

TWO QUESTIONS IELTS ESSAY TEMPLATE

At the exam, you may come across an essay with two questions. It could be any questions. For instance:

Today a lot of different cultures and ethnic groups live together in one country.
Why is this so and do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Universities should provide students with the skills they will require in order to succeed at their future jobs.
How far do you agree or disagree with the above opinion?
What are some of the job skills that employers look for in new employees?

Regardless of the questions the structure will still be the same:

1§ Introduction (2 SENTENCES): Paraphrase the Task + My Opinion if the essay question is agree/disagree or positive/negative development/how true is this statement?

2§ The answer to the first question + Explanation + Example

3§ The answer to the second question + Explanation + Example OR result

4§ Conclusion: sum up the ideas above – перефразируй вступление (2 SENTENCES)

The most important thing is to answer two questions from the assignment.

1 paragraph for one question

If the question is about your point of view, write it in the introduction and conclusion, so the examiner immediately understands your position.