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In today’s podcast let’s take a step back. We probably should have done this a few weeks ago so I have to apologise about that. Today, let’s look at how to properly analyse task 2 essay questions.

So basically every task 2 essay question will have three parts. We can call these parts a) the instruction(what you have to do), b) the topic(what you have to write about), and c) the issue(the problem you have to analyse). Let’s take a look at a couple of examples and try our hand at analysing them.

Example 1:

An increase in tourism has had a significant effect on traditional society’s way of life. Many people argue that this change has brought about progress. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

Let’s break example 1 down into the three parts:

a. The instruction:

Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

b. The topic:

An increase in tourism / Traditional society’s way of life.

c. The issue

Whether this change has brought progress or not.

Let’s try again with the question from last time.

(1) Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. (2) Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations.

(3) Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

So we can see that the instruction = 3 or Discuss both these views and give your own opinion, the topic = 1 or bad situations, and the issue = 2 or should we try to improve bad situations or not.

Today’s topic is not so big so you only have to listen to a short podcast today. Good job and whenever you read a new IELTS task 2 question, try to divide it into these three parts. It will make your job of writing the essay that much easier.

See you next time!