Writing Skills
Task 2 essay types
Task-specific

Task 2 essay types

Five question types. Each has its own shape — get the shape right and you will not lose marks for task response.

Prompt: Some people believe that universities should focus on academic subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Recommended paragraph structure

  1. 1¶1 Introduction — paraphrase + clear opinion
  2. 2¶2 Body 1 — first reason for your opinion (TSEEC)
  3. 3¶3 Body 2 — second reason for your opinion (TSEEC)
  4. 4¶4 Conclusion — restate opinion + summarise reasons
Planning template

Use the 3–5 minutes before writing.

  1. Question type
    Agree / disagree
  2. Position
    Decide: fully agree, fully disagree, or partly agree.
  3. Reason 1
    Strongest reason + example.
  4. Reason 2
    Second reason + example.

Model outline

A skeleton you can adapt to any prompt of this type.

  1. 1Intro: paraphrase the claim and state your opinion clearly.
  2. 2Body 1: first reason — explain and give a developed example.
  3. 3Body 2: second reason — explain and give a developed example.
  4. 4Conclusion: restate opinion and the two reasons.

Band 6 vs Band 7

Same prompt, different responses. Notice what changes.

Band 6

I agree that universities should teach academic subjects. Academic subjects are important. For example, science and history. Also students learn many things at university. So universities should teach academic subjects.

  • No developed examples
  • Repetition of 'academic subjects'
  • Short, undeveloped paragraphs
  • Weak conclusion
Band 7

I largely agree that academic subjects should remain the core focus of university study, although there is also a place for practical skills. Firstly, academic disciplines train students to think critically. A history graduate, for instance, learns to weigh evidence and build arguments — skills that transfer to almost any career. Without this foundation, graduates may struggle to adapt as industries change. Secondly, universities are one of the few places where pure research happens. Subjects such as mathematics or philosophy may seem impractical, but breakthroughs in these areas often underpin later innovations in technology and medicine. In conclusion, while practical training has its place, universities are best positioned to develop critical thinking and advance knowledge — so academic subjects should remain central.

  • Clear, qualified opinion
  • Developed examples per paragraph
  • Range of linkers and synonyms
  • Conclusion restates position
Teacher notesShow

Train students to identify the question type in the first 60 seconds. Most Band 6 essays fail because they apply an opinion structure to a discussion or two-part prompt.