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Types of Questions: Sample Question Types with Examples

Complete guide to types of questions and sample question types with examples., 350+ free survey templates, customer surveys, human resources surveys, marketing surveys, industry surveys, community surveys, academic evaluation surveys, non-profit surveys.

Content Index

• The Dichotomous Question
• Multiple Choice Questions
• Rank Order Scaling Question
• Text Slider Question
• Likert Scale Question
• Semantic Differential Scale
• Stapel Scale Question
• Constant Sum Question
• Comment Box Open Ended Question
• Text Question
• Contact Information Question
• Demographic Question
• Matrix Table Question
• Side-by-Side Matrix Question
• Star Rating Question
• Max Diff Question
• Push to Social Questions
• Visual Analog Question
• Image Question
• Net Promoter Score (NPS) Question
• Van Westendorp-Price Sensitivity Question
• Date/Time Question
• CAPTCHA Question
• Calendar Question
• Interactive Maps Question
• Reference Data Question
• Lookup Table Question
• Store Locator Question
• TubePulse Question

What is a Question?

A question is a sentence that seeks an answer for information collection, tests, and research. Right questions produce accurate responses and aids in collecting actionable quantitative and qualitative data .

Questions have over the years evolved to different question types to now collect different sets of information. The types of question used in a research study are decided by the information required, nature of the study, the time needed to answer, and the budget constraints of a study.

The art of asking the right questions helps to gain deep insights, make informed decisions, and develop effective solutions. To know how to ask good questions, understand the basic question types.

Below are some widely used types of questions with sample examples of these question types:

1. The Dichotomous Question

The dichotomous question is generally a "Yes/No" close-ended question and is used for basic validation. In the below example, a one word answer or a yes or no question is used to understand if the person has ever used your online store to make a purchase. Closed questions, such as Yes/No True/False, Fair/Unfair are questions that demand a specific response from the respondent.

The respondents who answer "Yes" and "No" can be bunched together into groups. Then, you can ask different questions to both groups.

2. Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple choice questions are mostly used types of questions in which respondents have to select one (single-select multiple choice question) or many (multi-select question) responses from a given list of options.

The multiple-choice question consists of an incomplete stem (question), correct answer or answers, incorrect answers, close alternatives, and distractors. However, the questions are designed as it best matches the expected outcome.

Typically, single-select questions are denoted by radio buttons, and multi-select questions are denoted by checkboxes. An example of a multi-select multiple-choice question is a bank that would like to launch a new credit card and wants to understand payment merchants' usage:

3. Rank Order Scaling Question

The rank order question type allows the respondent to rank preferences in a question in the order of choice. Use this question type to understand the weightage that is offered by respondents to each option.

The other type of rank order question is a drag-and-drop question type, where the respondent can rearrange options based on importance. An example of a rank order question is a sports goods store looking to understand from respondents their choice of sports and the order they would place them.

4. Text Slider Question

A text slider question is a rating scale question type that uses an interactive slider in answer to select the most appropriate option. The options scale is well-defined and on the same continuum. Rating scales are used to measure the direction and intensity of attitudes. You can also use a text slider where either end of the option has an anchor.

5. Likert Scale Question

Likert Scale is one of the most used types of questions by market researchers to evaluate their target audience's opinions and attitudes. This type of question is essential in measuring a respondent's opinion or belief toward a given subject.

The answer options scale is typically a five, seven, or nine-point agreement scale used to measure respondents' agreement with various statements. Likert scales can be unipolar, indicating a respondent to think of the presence or absence of quality. Or they can be bipolar, mentioning two different qualities and defining the relative proportion of those qualities.

For example, if a telecom company would like to understand the respondent's satisfaction level with their services, the question that can be asked is:

6. Semantic Differential Scale

Semantic differential scale is a type of question that asks people to rate a product, company, brand, or any "entity" within the frames of a multipoint rating option. These survey answering options are grammatically on opposite adjectives at each end.

For instant, if the national health association wants to collect the right answer or feedback on Government insurance policies from the general public, the following question could be administered.

7. Stapel Scale Question

The Stapel scale question is a close-ended rating scale with a single adjective (unipolar), developed to gather respondent insights about a particular subject or event. The survey question comprises an even number of response options without a neutral point.

For example, if an airline wants to collect feedback on multiple attributes of a respondent's flying experience.

8. Constant Sum Question

Constant Sum question is also a rank order question type where the respondent can only select options in the form of numerics. A constant sum question allows respondents to enter numerical values for a set of variables but requires them to add up to a pre-specified total.

Each numeric entry is summed and can be displayed to the respondent. It is a great question type to use when asking financial, budget-related questions, or percentage-based questions. An example of this question type is collecting data on how respondents allocate monthly budgets based on their income.

9. Comment Box Open Ended Question

The comment box open-ended questions are used to collect any feedback or suggestions that could be very long. They are open text format such that the respondent can answer based on their complete knowledge, feelings, and understanding.

Hence, this question type is used when the organization conducting the study would like to justify a selection in a prior question or when extensive feedback is required from the respondent.

10. Text Question

Text questions are similar to a comment box, but the data to be entered is generally regulated and requires validation. These types of questions have three sub-types:

• Single row text: One line of text can be inputted, for example, house address.
• Numeric textbox: Only numbers can be entered. The use of other characters will throw an error—for example, contact number.
• Email address: Insert email address for further correspondence.

11. Contact Information Question

This question type is an open-ended question with multiple rows of text indicated with a title, and the textual characters are regulated. This type of question collects respondent information like full name, address, email address, phone number, age, and sex.

12. Demographic Question

The demographic question captures the demographic data from a population set. They are used to identify age, gender, income, race, geographic place of residence, number of children, etc. Demographic data helps you paint a more accurate picture of a group of people. For example:

13. Matrix Table Question

Matrix table questions are arranged in tabular format, with questions listed on the left of the table while the answer options are at the top of the table. There are multiple variants of the matrix table question type. Multipoint matrix table questions use radio buttons to select answers for multiple aspects of a question. Multi-select matrix table types of questions use check-box buttons to select answers.

The spreadsheet matrix table question is used to insert text while answering questions. An example of this is if an organization wants to collect feedback on specific attributes; the question that can be asked is:

14. Side-by-Side Matrix Question

In case you have to organize a survey to know the importance and satisfaction level of the various services offered to users, you can use side-by-side matrix question . It gives you the option to define multiple rating options simultaneously. The side-by-side matrix question makes it easy to identify your strengths and improvement areas.

15. Star Rating Question

The star rating question is a type of rating question that uses an odd number of stars to rank attributes or display feelings and emotions. An odd number matrix type question is used to account for a middle or neutral point in a rating survey. The higher the number of stars, the higher the agreement with a statement.

This question type allows for a rating on multiple rows to be collected for one single topic. For example, if a retail brand wants to gather feedback about its brand, it can use a star rating question in the following format:

16. Max Diff Question

Maximum Differential Scaling or Max-Diff is a question type where respondents are given a set of attributes and asked to indicate the best and the worst attributes. There could only be one of each option in the final response.

For example, if a bank wants to understand the preference of payment merchants, the question can be asked in the following format:

17. Push to Social Questions

Push to social question type allows you to share reviews or feedback to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Google +. It is used to create a positive vibe about your brand on social media. Alternatively, you can address customer satisfaction issues and negative feedback before they go out on social media.

18. Visual Analog Question

The visual analog question is a close-ended question that can be administered in two ways - a Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down question type and an odd-point smiley question. The thumbs up and thumbs down question is a two-point question where respondents have to indicate their feelings or opinions with either a positive or negative answer.

An example of this question type is a respondent's emotion toward their experience at Starbucks.

The smiley rating question type generally consists of a 5-point rating scale indicated with a neutral point. Due to the question's visually representative nature, the response rate for this question type is always higher. An example of this question is a retail brand looking to collect feedback on the purchase experience.

19. Image Question

The image question is used to increase the response rate of respondents as it allows them to click on images as their answer option to a question. For example, to understand a respondent's favorite ice cream flavor, the question can be administered as:

20. Net Promoter Score (NPS) Question

A Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a question type sent to customers to get a concise understanding of their satisfaction level with your brand or organization. This question is imperative for a deeper understanding of the level of customer satisfaction .

Response to this question is measured on a scale of 0-10. It provides a simplified yet highly effective vision of an organization's brand popularity and identifies potential brand promoters or detractors among existing customers. Respondents to this question are categorized as:

• Detractors: Who gave a score between 0 and 6.
• Passives: Who gave a score between 7 and 8.
• Promoters: Who gave a score between 9 and 10.

21. Van Westendorp-Price Sensitivity Question

The Van Westendorp-Price Sensitivity question is a technique for market researchers to gauge consumer perceptions of products or services' value. It helps in understanding the scope to tweak the price and offering.

For example, if a software product manufacturer wants to know how to price a product, the following question could be asked:

22. Date/Time Question

Date/Time question type allows you to collect date/time information filled in by a respondent consistently. For example, questions related to the date of birth can be answered using this question.

23. CAPTCHA Question

This question type is used to limit phony responses in a survey or data collection by automated computer programs.

24. Calendar Question

The calendar question allows the respondent to input a date and time in the calendar format. For example, to input the date of birth.

25. Interactive Maps Question

Interactive map questions allow a respondent to click on a location by hovering over or clicking on an interactive map. When the respondent scrolls over the map, a selection can be made based on the pop-up at the point of hover.

For example, if a respondent is asked for the birth state or city, he/she can hover over the map to select the right location.

26. Reference Data Question

This question can be used to validate zip codes against those in the databases for a given country.

For example, if respondents fill in his/her zip code and need to check if it's correct as per standard US postal zip code, they can use this question type.

27. Lookup Table Question

The lookup table question type offers to autocomplete information systematically. It is a mix of drop-down and single-line editable text boxes. This question type is used when there are many options, and the correct choice is displayed when the respondent starts typing.

28. Store Locator Question

This question type helps to locate a nearby store in a region for business purposes within proximity of an address or area.

29. TubePulse Question

This question type allows the respondent to provide feedback or indulge in a discussion about a specific topic. The stimulating subject is depicted with a video.

For example, if an organization wants to collect feedback on a shopping experience, feedback can be obtained by:

There are many different types of inquiries that can be used in different situations. These include open-ended, closed-ended, leading questions , etc. But it's important to be aware of the possibility of leading questions. These are questions that are worded in a way that suggests a certain answer or makes the respondent more likely to agree with a certain views.

To make sure the information you get is accurate, it's important to carefully plan your questions and avoid leading questions whenever you can.

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To answer an essay question (EQ), students must assess the purpose of the essay question: factual recall, analysis (explanation of relationships) synthesis (application/transfer of previously learned principles) opinion

How much information to include, repeat, restate (intro needed? details needed?).

The chart below outlines 4 main types of essay questions, the verbs/cues that indicate the type of essay question and its purpose, and the strategy to be used to answer it.

Read the questions very carefully at least 2 or 3 times. Circle  the main verb (= action verb/imperative) in the question and decide on the necessary rhetorical strategy for answering the question (cause-effect, comparison-contrast, definition, classification, problem-solution). Make sure you understand what type of answer the main verb calls for (a diagram a summary, details, an analysis, an evaluation). Circle all the keywords in the question. Decide if you need to write a 1-paragraph or a multi-paragraph answer. Write a brief outline of all the points you want to mention in your answer. Restate the question and answer it with a topic sentence (for a 1-paragraph answer) or a thesis statement (for a multi-paragraph answer).  Answer the question according to general rules of academic writing.  Use indentations; begin each paragraph with a topic sentence; support the topic sentence(s) with reasons and/or examples; use transition words to show logical organization; write a conclusion.  Use correct punctuation throughout. Read over your answer again and check if all the main ideas have been included. Check your answer for grammar and punctuation.

© 2005: Christine Bauer-Ramazani ; last updated: September 02, 2019

Essay Exams

What this handout is about.

At some time in your undergraduate career, you’re going to have to write an essay exam. This thought can inspire a fair amount of fear: we struggle enough with essays when they aren’t timed events based on unknown questions. The goal of this handout is to give you some easy and effective strategies that will help you take control of the situation and do your best.

Why do instructors give essay exams?

Essay exams are a useful tool for finding out if you can sort through a large body of information, figure out what is important, and explain why it is important. Essay exams challenge you to come up with key course ideas and put them in your own words and to use the interpretive or analytical skills you’ve practiced in the course. Instructors want to see whether:

• You understand concepts that provide the basis for the course
• You can use those concepts to interpret specific materials
• You can make connections, see relationships, draw comparisons and contrasts
• You can synthesize diverse information in support of an original assertion
• You can justify your own evaluations based on appropriate criteria
• You can argue your own opinions with convincing evidence
• You can think critically and analytically about a subject

What essay questions require

Exam questions can reach pretty far into the course materials, so you cannot hope to do well on them if you do not keep up with the readings and assignments from the beginning of the course. The most successful essay exam takers are prepared for anything reasonable, and they probably have some intelligent guesses about the content of the exam before they take it. How can you be a prepared exam taker? Try some of the following suggestions during the semester:

• Do the reading as the syllabus dictates; keeping up with the reading while the related concepts are being discussed in class saves you double the effort later.
• Go to lectures (and put away your phone, the newspaper, and that crossword puzzle!).
• Take careful notes that you’ll understand months later. If this is not your strong suit or the conventions for a particular discipline are different from what you are used to, ask your TA or the Learning Center for advice.
• Participate in your discussion sections; this will help you absorb the material better so you don’t have to study as hard.
• Organize small study groups with classmates to explore and review course materials throughout the semester. Others will catch things you might miss even when paying attention. This is not cheating. As long as what you write on the essay is your own work, formulating ideas and sharing notes is okay. In fact, it is a big part of the learning process.
• As an exam approaches, find out what you can about the form it will take. This will help you forecast the questions that will be on the exam, and prepare for them.

These suggestions will save you lots of time and misery later. Remember that you can’t cram weeks of information into a single day or night of study. So why put yourself in that position?

Now let’s focus on studying for the exam. You’ll notice the following suggestions are all based on organizing your study materials into manageable chunks of related material. If you have a plan of attack, you’ll feel more confident and your answers will be more clear. Here are some tips: 

• Don’t just memorize aimlessly; clarify the important issues of the course and use these issues to focus your understanding of specific facts and particular readings.
• Try to organize and prioritize the information into a thematic pattern. Look at what you’ve studied and find a way to put things into related groups. Find the fundamental ideas that have been emphasized throughout the course and organize your notes into broad categories. Think about how different categories relate to each other.
• Find out what you don’t know, but need to know, by making up test questions and trying to answer them. Studying in groups helps as well.

Taking the exam

Read the exam carefully.

• If you are given the entire exam at once and can determine your approach on your own, read the entire exam before you get started.
• Look at how many points each part earns you, and find hints for how long your answers should be.
• Figure out how much time you have and how best to use it. Write down the actual clock time that you expect to take in each section, and stick to it. This will help you avoid spending all your time on only one section. One strategy is to divide the available time according to percentage worth of the question. You don’t want to spend half of your time on something that is only worth one tenth of the total points.
• As you read, make tentative choices of the questions you will answer (if you have a choice). Don’t just answer the first essay question you encounter. Instead, read through all of the options. Jot down really brief ideas for each question before deciding.
• Remember that the easiest-looking question is not always as easy as it looks. Focus your attention on questions for which you can explain your answer most thoroughly, rather than settle on questions where you know the answer but can’t say why.

Analyze the questions

• Decide what you are being asked to do. If you skim the question to find the main “topic” and then rush to grasp any related ideas you can recall, you may become flustered, lose concentration, and even go blank. Try looking closely at what the question is directing you to do, and try to understand the sort of writing that will be required.
• Focus on what you do know about the question, not on what you don’t.
• Look at the active verbs in the assignment—they tell you what you should be doing. We’ve included some of these below, with some suggestions on what they might mean. (For help with this sort of detective work, see the Writing Center handout titled Reading Assignments.)

Information words, such as who, what, when, where, how, and why ask you to demonstrate what you know about the subject. Information words may include:

• define—give the subject’s meaning (according to someone or something). Sometimes you have to give more than one view on the subject’s meaning.
• explain why/how—give reasons why or examples of how something happened.
• illustrate—give descriptive examples of the subject and show how each is connected with the subject.
• summarize—briefly cover the important ideas you learned about the subject.
• trace—outline how something has changed or developed from an earlier time to its current form.
• research—gather material from outside sources about the subject, often with the implication or requirement that you will analyze what you’ve found.

Relation words ask you to demonstrate how things are connected. Relation words may include:

• compare—show how two or more things are similar (and, sometimes, different).
• contrast—show how two or more things are dissimilar.
• apply—use details that you’ve been given to demonstrate how an idea, theory, or concept works in a particular situation.
• cause—show how one event or series of events made something else happen.
• relate—show or describe the connections between things.

Interpretation words ask you to defend ideas of your own about the subject. Don’t see these words as requesting opinion alone (unless the assignment specifically says so), but as requiring opinion that is supported by concrete evidence. Remember examples, principles, definitions, or concepts from class or research and use them in your interpretation. Interpretation words may include:

• prove, justify—give reasons or examples to demonstrate how or why something is the truth.
• evaluate, respond, assess—state your opinion of the subject as good, bad, or some combination of the two, with examples and reasons (you may want to compare your subject to something else).
• support—give reasons or evidence for something you believe (be sure to state clearly what it is that you believe).
• synthesize—put two or more things together that haven’t been put together before; don’t just summarize one and then the other, and say that they are similar or different—you must provide a reason for putting them together (as opposed to compare and contrast—see above).
• analyze—look closely at the components of something to figure out how it works, what it might mean, or why it is important.
• argue—take a side and defend it (with proof) against the other side.

Plan your answers

Think about your time again. How much planning time you should take depends on how much time you have for each question and how many points each question is worth. Here are some general guidelines: 

• For short-answer definitions and identifications, just take a few seconds. Skip over any you don’t recognize fairly quickly, and come back to them when another question jogs your memory.
• For answers that require a paragraph or two, jot down several important ideas or specific examples that help to focus your thoughts.
• For longer answers, you will need to develop a much more definite strategy of organization. You only have time for one draft, so allow a reasonable amount of time—as much as a quarter of the time you’ve allotted for the question—for making notes, determining a thesis, and developing an outline.
• For questions with several parts (different requests or directions, a sequence of questions), make a list of the parts so that you do not miss or minimize one part. One way to be sure you answer them all is to number them in the question and in your outline.
• You may have to try two or three outlines or clusters before you hit on a workable plan. But be realistic—you want a plan you can develop within the limited time allotted for your answer. Your outline will have to be selective—not everything you know, but what you know that you can state clearly and keep to the point in the time available.

Again, focus on what you do know about the question, not on what you don’t.

Writing your answers

As with planning, your strategy for writing depends on the length of your answer:

• For short identifications and definitions, it is usually best to start with a general identifying statement and then move on to describe specific applications or explanations. Two sentences will almost always suffice, but make sure they are complete sentences. Find out whether the instructor wants definition alone, or definition and significance. Why is the identification term or object important?
• For longer answers, begin by stating your forecasting statement or thesis clearly and explicitly. Strive for focus, simplicity, and clarity. In stating your point and developing your answers, you may want to use important course vocabulary words from the question. For example, if the question is, “How does wisteria function as a representation of memory in Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom?” you may want to use the words wisteria, representation, memory, and Faulkner) in your thesis statement and answer. Use these important words or concepts throughout the answer.
• If you have devised a promising outline for your answer, then you will be able to forecast your overall plan and its subpoints in your opening sentence. Forecasting impresses readers and has the very practical advantage of making your answer easier to read. Also, if you don’t finish writing, it tells your reader what you would have said if you had finished (and may get you partial points).
• You might want to use briefer paragraphs than you ordinarily do and signal clear relations between paragraphs with transition phrases or sentences.
• As you move ahead with the writing, you may think of new subpoints or ideas to include in the essay. Stop briefly to make a note of these on your original outline. If they are most appropriately inserted in a section you’ve already written, write them neatly in the margin, at the top of the page, or on the last page, with arrows or marks to alert the reader to where they fit in your answer. Be as neat and clear as possible.
• Don’t pad your answer with irrelevancies and repetitions just to fill up space. Within the time available, write a comprehensive, specific answer.
• Watch the clock carefully to ensure that you do not spend too much time on one answer. You must be realistic about the time constraints of an essay exam. If you write one dazzling answer on an exam with three equally-weighted required questions, you earn only 33 points—not enough to pass at most colleges. This may seem unfair, but keep in mind that instructors plan exams to be reasonably comprehensive. They want you to write about the course materials in two or three or more ways, not just one way. Hint: if you finish a half-hour essay in 10 minutes, you may need to develop some of your ideas more fully.
• If you run out of time when you are writing an answer, jot down the remaining main ideas from your outline, just to show that you know the material and with more time could have continued your exposition.
• Double-space to leave room for additions, and strike through errors or changes with one straight line (avoid erasing or scribbling over). Keep things as clean as possible. You never know what will earn you partial credit.
• Write legibly and proofread. Remember that your instructor will likely be reading a large pile of exams. The more difficult they are to read, the more exasperated the instructor might become. Your instructor also cannot give you credit for what they cannot understand. A few minutes of careful proofreading can improve your grade.

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind in writing essay exams is that you have a limited amount of time and space in which to get across the knowledge you have acquired and your ability to use it. Essay exams are not the place to be subtle or vague. It’s okay to have an obvious structure, even the five-paragraph essay format you may have been taught in high school. Introduce your main idea, have several paragraphs of support—each with a single point defended by specific examples, and conclude with a restatement of your main point and its significance.

Some physiological tips

Just think—we expect athletes to practice constantly and use everything in their abilities and situations in order to achieve success. Yet, somehow many students are convinced that one day’s worth of studying, no sleep, and some well-placed compliments (“Gee, Dr. So-and-so, I really enjoyed your last lecture”) are good preparation for a test. Essay exams are like any other testing situation in life: you’ll do best if you are prepared for what is expected of you, have practiced doing it before, and have arrived in the best shape to do it. You may not want to believe this, but it’s true: a good night’s sleep and a relaxed mind and body can do as much or more for you as any last-minute cram session. Colleges abound with tales of woe about students who slept through exams because they stayed up all night, wrote an essay on the wrong topic, forgot everything they studied, or freaked out in the exam and hyperventilated. If you are rested, breathing normally, and have brought along some healthy, energy-boosting snacks that you can eat or drink quietly, you are in a much better position to do a good job on the test. You aren’t going to write a good essay on something you figured out at 4 a.m. that morning. If you prepare yourself well throughout the semester, you don’t risk your whole grade on an overloaded, undernourished brain.

If for some reason you get yourself into this situation, take a minute every once in a while during the test to breathe deeply, stretch, and clear your brain. You need to be especially aware of the likelihood of errors, so check your essays thoroughly before you hand them in to make sure they answer the right questions and don’t have big oversights or mistakes (like saying “Hitler” when you really mean “Churchill”).

If you tend to go blank during exams, try studying in the same classroom in which the test will be given. Some research suggests that people attach ideas to their surroundings, so it might jog your memory to see the same things you were looking at while you studied.

Try good luck charms. Bring in something you associate with success or the support of your loved ones, and use it as a psychological boost.

Take all of the time you’ve been allotted. Reread, rework, and rethink your answers if you have extra time at the end, rather than giving up and handing the exam in the minute you’ve written your last sentence. Use every advantage you are given.

Remember that instructors do not want to see you trip up—they want to see you do well. With this in mind, try to relax and just do the best you can. The more you panic, the more mistakes you are liable to make. Put the test in perspective: will you die from a poor performance? Will you lose all of your friends? Will your entire future be destroyed? Remember: it’s just a test.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Axelrod, Rise B., and Charles R. Cooper. 2016. The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing , 11th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Fowler, Ramsay H., and Jane E. Aaron. 2016. The Little, Brown Handbook , 13th ed. Boston: Pearson.

Gefvert, Constance J. 1988. The Confident Writer: A Norton Handbook , 2nd ed. New York: W.W. Norton and Company.

Kirszner, Laurie G. 1988. Writing: A College Rhetoric , 2nd ed. New York: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Woodman, Leonara, and Thomas P. Adler. 1988. The Writer’s Choices , 2nd ed. Northbrook, Illinois: Scott Foresman.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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• Focus and Precision: How to Write Essays that Answer the Question

About the Author Stephanie Allen read Classics and English at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, and is currently researching a PhD in Early Modern Academic Drama at the University of Fribourg.

We’ve all been there. You’ve handed in an essay and you think it’s pretty great: it shows off all your best ideas, and contains points you’re sure no one else will have thought of.

You’re not totally convinced that what you’ve written is relevant to the title you were given – but it’s inventive, original and good. In fact, it might be better than anything that would have responded to the question. But your essay isn’t met with the lavish praise you expected. When it’s tossed back onto your desk, there are huge chunks scored through with red pen, crawling with annotations like little red fire ants: ‘IRRELEVANT’; ‘A bit of a tangent!’; ‘???’; and, right next to your best, most impressive killer point: ‘Right… so?’. The grade your teacher has scrawled at the end is nowhere near what your essay deserves. In fact, it’s pretty average. And the comment at the bottom reads something like, ‘Some good ideas, but you didn’t answer the question!’.

If this has ever happened to you (and it has happened to me, a lot), you’ll know how deeply frustrating it is – and how unfair it can seem. This might just be me, but the exhausting process of researching, having ideas, planning, writing and re-reading makes me steadily more attached to the ideas I have, and the things I’ve managed to put on the page. Each time I scroll back through what I’ve written, or planned, so far, I become steadily more convinced of its brilliance. What started off as a scribbled note in the margin, something extra to think about or to pop in if it could be made to fit the argument, sometimes comes to be backbone of a whole essay – so, when a tutor tells me my inspired paragraph about Ted Hughes’s interpretation of mythology isn’t relevant to my essay on Keats, I fail to see why. Or even if I can see why, the thought of taking it out is wrenching. Who cares if it’s a bit off-topic? It should make my essay stand out, if anything! And an examiner would probably be happy not to read yet another answer that makes exactly the same points. If you recognise yourself in the above, there are two crucial things to realise. The first is that something has to change: because doing well in high school exam or coursework essays is almost totally dependent on being able to pin down and organise lots of ideas so that an examiner can see that they convincingly answer a question. And it’s a real shame to work hard on something, have good ideas, and not get the marks you deserve. Writing a top essay is a very particular and actually quite simple challenge. It’s not actually that important how original you are, how compelling your writing is, how many ideas you get down, or how beautifully you can express yourself (though of course, all these things do have their rightful place). What you’re doing, essentially, is using a limited amount of time and knowledge to really answer a question. It sounds obvious, but a good essay should have the title or question as its focus the whole way through . It should answer it ten times over – in every single paragraph, with every fact or figure. Treat your reader (whether it’s your class teacher or an external examiner) like a child who can’t do any interpretive work of their own; imagine yourself leading them through your essay by the hand, pointing out that you’ve answered the question here , and here , and here. Now, this is all very well, I imagine you objecting, and much easier said than done. But never fear! Structuring an essay that knocks a question on the head is something you can learn to do in a couple of easy steps. In the next few hundred words, I’m going to share with you what I’ve learned through endless, mindless crossings-out, rewordings, rewritings and rethinkings.

Top tips and golden rules

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been told to ‘write the question at the top of every new page’- but for some reason, that trick simply doesn’t work for me. If it doesn’t work for you either, use this three-part process to allow the question to structure your essay:

1)     Work out exactly what you’re being asked

It sounds really obvious, but lots of students have trouble answering questions because they don’t take time to figure out exactly what they’re expected to do – instead, they skim-read and then write the essay they want to write. Sussing out a question is a two-part process, and the first part is easy. It means looking at the directions the question provides as to what sort of essay you’re going to write. I call these ‘command phrases’ and will go into more detail about what they mean below. The second part involves identifying key words and phrases.

2)     Be as explicit as possible

Use forceful, persuasive language to show how the points you’ve made do answer the question. My main focus so far has been on tangential or irrelevant material – but many students lose marks even though they make great points, because they don’t quite impress how relevant those points are. Again, I’ll talk about how you can do this below.

3)     Be brutally honest with yourself about whether a point is relevant before you write it.

It doesn’t matter how impressive, original or interesting it is. It doesn’t matter if you’re panicking, and you can’t think of any points that do answer the question. If a point isn’t relevant, don’t bother with it. It’s a waste of time, and might actually work against you- if you put tangential material in an essay, your reader will struggle to follow the thread of your argument, and lose focus on your really good points.

Put it into action: Step One

Let’s imagine you’re writing an English essay about the role and importance of the three witches in Macbeth . You’re thinking about the different ways in which Shakespeare imagines and presents the witches, how they influence the action of the tragedy, and perhaps the extent to which we’re supposed to believe in them (stay with me – you don’t have to know a single thing about Shakespeare or Macbeth to understand this bit!). Now, you’ll probably have a few good ideas on this topic – and whatever essay you write, you’ll most likely use much of the same material. However, the detail of the phrasing of the question will significantly affect the way you write your essay. You would draw on similar material to address the following questions: Discuss Shakespeare’s representation of the three witches in Macbeth . How does Shakespeare figure the supernatural in Macbeth ?   To what extent are the three witches responsible for Macbeth’s tragic downfall? Evaluate the importance of the three witches in bringing about Macbeth’s ruin. Are we supposed to believe in the three witches in Macbeth ? “Within Macbeth ’s representation of the witches, there is profound ambiguity about the actual significance and power of their malevolent intervention” (Stephen Greenblatt). Discuss.   I’ve organised the examples into three groups, exemplifying the different types of questions you might have to answer in an exam. The first group are pretty open-ended: ‘discuss’- and ‘how’-questions leave you room to set the scope of the essay. You can decide what the focus should be. Beware, though – this doesn’t mean you don’t need a sturdy structure, or a clear argument, both of which should always be present in an essay. The second group are asking you to evaluate, constructing an argument that decides whether, and how far something is true. Good examples of hypotheses (which your essay would set out to prove) for these questions are:

• The witches are the most important cause of tragic action in Macbeth.
• The witches are partially, but not entirely responsible for Macbeth’s downfall, alongside Macbeth’s unbridled ambition, and that of his wife.
• We are not supposed to believe the witches: they are a product of Macbeth’s psyche, and his downfall is his own doing.
• The witches’ role in Macbeth’s downfall is deliberately unclear. Their claim to reality is shaky – finally, their ambiguity is part of an uncertain tragic universe and the great illusion of the theatre. (N.B. It’s fine to conclude that a question can’t be answered in black and white, certain terms – as long as you have a firm structure, and keep referring back to it throughout the essay).

The final question asks you to respond to a quotation. Students tend to find these sorts of questions the most difficult to answer, but once you’ve got the hang of them I think the title does most of the work for you – often implicitly providing you with a structure for your essay. The first step is breaking down the quotation into its constituent parts- the different things it says. I use brackets: ( Within Macbeth ’s representation of the witches, ) ( there is profound ambiguity ) about the ( actual significance ) ( and power ) of ( their malevolent intervention ) Examiners have a nasty habit of picking the most bewildering and terrifying-sounding quotations: but once you break them down, they’re often asking for something very simple. This quotation, for example, is asking exactly the same thing as the other questions. The trick here is making sure you respond to all the different parts. You want to make sure you discuss the following:

• Do you agree that the status of the witches’ ‘malevolent intervention’ is ambiguous?
• What is its significance?
• How powerful is it?

Step Two: Plan

Having worked out exactly what the question is asking, write out a plan (which should be very detailed in a coursework essay, but doesn’t have to be more than a few lines long in an exam context) of the material you’ll use in each paragraph. Make sure your plan contains a sentence at the end of each point about how that point will answer the question. A point from my plan for one of the topics above might look something like this:

To what extent are we supposed to believe in the three witches in Macbeth ?  Hypothesis: The witches’ role in Macbeth’s downfall is deliberately unclear. Their claim to reality is uncertain – finally, they’re part of an uncertain tragic universe and the great illusion of the theatre. Para.1: Context At the time Shakespeare wrote Macbeth , there were many examples of people being burned or drowned as witches There were also people who claimed to be able to exorcise evil demons from people who were ‘possessed’. Catholic Christianity leaves much room for the supernatural to exist This suggests that Shakespeare’s contemporary audience might, more readily than a modern one, have believed that witches were a real phenomenon and did exist.

My final sentence (highlighted in red) shows how the material discussed in the paragraph answers the question. Writing this out at the planning stage, in addition to clarifying your ideas, is a great test of whether a point is relevant: if you struggle to write the sentence, and make the connection to the question and larger argument, you might have gone off-topic.

Step Three: Paragraph beginnings and endings

The final step to making sure you pick up all the possible marks for ‘answering the question’ in an essay is ensuring that you make it explicit how your material does so. This bit relies upon getting the beginnings and endings of paragraphs just right. To reiterate what I said above, treat your reader like a child: tell them what you’re going to say; tell them how it answers the question; say it, and then tell them how you’ve answered the question. This need not feel clumsy, awkward or repetitive. The first sentence of each new paragraph or point should, without giving too much of your conclusion away, establish what you’re going to discuss, and how it answers the question. The opening sentence from the paragraph I planned above might go something like this:

Early modern political and religious contexts suggest that Shakespeare’s contemporary audience might more readily have believed in witches than his modern readers.

The sentence establishes that I’m going to discuss Jacobean religion and witch-burnings, and also what I’m going to use those contexts to show. I’d then slot in all my facts and examples in the middle of the paragraph. The final sentence (or few sentences) should be strong and decisive, making a clear connection to the question you’ve been asked:

  Contemporary suspicion that witches did exist, testified to by witch-hunts and exorcisms, is crucial to our understanding of the witches in Macbeth.  To the early modern consciousness, witches were a distinctly real and dangerous possibility – and the witches in the play would have seemed all-the-more potent and terrifying as a result.

Step Four: Practice makes perfect

The best way to get really good at making sure you always ‘answer the question’ is to write essay plans rather than whole pieces. Set aside a few hours, choose a couple of essay questions from past papers, and for each:

• Write a hypothesis
• Write a rough plan of what each paragraph will contain
• Write out the first and last sentence of each paragraph

You can get your teacher, or a friend, to look through your plans and give you feedback . If you follow this advice, fingers crossed, next time you hand in an essay, it’ll be free from red-inked comments about irrelevance, and instead showered with praise for the precision with which you handled the topic, and how intently you focused on answering the question. It can seem depressing when your perfect question is just a minor tangent from the question you were actually asked, but trust me – high praise and good marks are all found in answering the question in front of you, not the one you would have liked to see. Teachers do choose the questions they set you with some care, after all; chances are the question you were set is the more illuminating and rewarding one as well.

Image credits: banner ; Keats ; Macbeth ; James I ; witches .

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• Subject Guides

Study & revision: a Practical Guide

Essay questions in exams.

• Study & revision
• Being organised
• Note-taking
• Active Recall
• Spaced Repetition
• The Feynman Technique
• The Pareto Principle
• The Leitner System
• The SQ3R Method
• The PQ4R Method
• Studying online
• Short-answer question exams
• Understanding exam questions
• Workshops and 1:1 appointments

Many exams will have an essay question section. It may even be the only type of question you encounter. On this page we'll look at how to write well-structured essays under exam conditions.

Pre-exam preparation

Key revision strategies.

• Memorise important information : Focus on crucial dates, terminologies, and concepts that form the core of your study material.
• Learn actively : Employ active study strategies like explaining concepts aloud or using concept mapping to organise and relate different ideas. 
• Review regularly : Continuously revisit your notes to keep the information fresh and identify recurring themes and concepts.
• Create study notes : Summarise lectures, readings, and seminar discussions, focusing on crafting concise notes around potential exam questions.
• Study as a group : Collaborate with peers to discuss potential questions and key concepts, enriching your understanding and preparation. You could even try using the  Feynman Technique .

For more information, check out the section on ' Study strategies '.

Practice questions

• Anticipate test questions: Using your course material, you can attempt to predict potential exam questions, focusing on both detailed facts and broader themes.
• Sample questions: Create example questions based on course outlines and themes to guide your study and practice sessions.
• Past papers: Use past papers to gain an understanding of the types of questions you might be asked. Try writing essay responses to these.
• Outline responses: Draft outlines for possible essay questions, ensuring a logical flow of arguments and evidence.
• Research and outline: If exam questions are provided in advance, research thoroughly and prepare detailed outlines for each question.
• Timed practice: Regularly write practice essays under timed conditions to simulate being in the exam.

Additional resources

• Practice testing: Past papers and mock exams
• Self-testing: Write your own questions

Academic writing: Essays

An essay written under exam conditions is not expected to be the same as a normal essay. But some of the general advice for essay writing may be useful:

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In-exam strategies

Read questions carefully.

Understanding the questions you are being asked is crucial in writing a well-structured essay under exam conditions. Make sure to do the following:

• Understand question terms : Distinguish between 'discuss,' 'compare,' and others to tailor your response. (See Understanding exam questions )
• Important terms : Ensure you fully understand any key terminology mentioned in the question. When writing, you will want to define and explore the essay question’s main terms, considering various perspectives.

Time management

How to optimise your exam time effectively:

• Divide your time : Divide your available time proportionately to the number of marks for each question. Commit to these time boundaries to ensure you complete every part of the exam.
• Prioritise : You don't have to do an exam in order. You may want to choose the order of questions based on a combination of your strengths and how many marks they are worth.
• Essay planning : Dedicate the first few minutes to planning. Brainstorm and sketch a brief outline for each essay to guide your writing process. Planning can significantly improve the structure and coherence of your answers.
• Timekeeping : Wear a watch or keep the clock in view to manage your time efficiently.
• Final review : Set aside time at the end of the exam to check your answers.

Planning your argument from the beginning is crucial for writing a good essay in an exam. Here are steps to keep in mind during that initial planning stage:

• Consider creating a mind map for idea generation;
• Aim for a rough draft — perfection in planning isn't necessary.
• Thesis statement : Begin by crafting a thesis statement that precisely answers the question posed by the exam. This statement will serve as the foundation of your argument.
• Logical structure : Plan your argument structure, ensuring a logical flow of ideas.
• Plan the conclusion : Before writing, decide what your concluding remarks will be. Your essay should be directed towards this endpoint, tying all arguments together cohesively.
• Keep it simple: Use straightforward language for clear communication.
• Structure: Use paragraphs to systematically present your ideas.
• Effective signposting: Use transitional words ("first", "however", "lastly") to guide the reader through your argument.
• Mastering vocabulary: Practice and learn spellings of key technical and subject-specific words.
• Acronym awareness: If you use acronyms, ensure the reader knows that you know what they mean by spelling them out the first time you use them. For example, National Health Service (NHS). Then, each time you use it afterwards, you can use the acronym.
• Stay on topic: Constantly relate your writing back to the essay question, ensuring relevance.

The final review

After completing your essay, allocate time for a comprehensive review to ensure the highest quality of your work. This step is crucial for refining your essay and addressing any overlooked aspects, such as:

• Spelling and grammar : Correct any spelling or grammatical errors.
• Bad handwriting : Rewrite any illegible words to enhance the readability of your essay.
• Ensure relevance : Carefully review your essay to ensure every section and example directly contributes to addressing the essay question.
• Check answers : Go through your answers to ensure you've addressed all required questions and correctly numbered your responses. 
• Address omissions : If you identify any missed points, clearly integrate this additional information where relevant. Use indicators like arrows in the margin or a note like "see additional paragraph" to guide the examiner to these late additions.
• << Previous: Short-answer question exams
• Next: Understanding exam questions >>
• Last Updated: Mar 25, 2024 5:30 PM
• URL: https://subjectguides.york.ac.uk/study-revision

IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

• Test Information FAQ
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• Computer IELTS: Pros & Cons
• How to Prepare
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• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2
• Speaking Part 1 Topics
• Speaking Part 2 Topics
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• 100 Essay Questions
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• Advanced IELTS

100 IELTS Essay Questions

Below are practice IELTS essay questions and topics for writing task 2. The 100 essay questions have been used many times over the years. The questions are organised under common topics and essay types. IELTS often use the similar topics for their essays but change the wording of the essay question.

In order to prepare well for writing task 2, you should prepare ideas for common topics and then practise applying them to the tasks given (to the essay questions). Also see model essays and tips  for writing task 2.

Below you will find:

• Essay Questions By Topic
• Essay Questions by Essay Type

Please also note that my new Grammar E-book is now available in my store along with my Ideas for Essay Topics E-book and Advanced Writing Lessons. To visit store, click here: Liz’s Store

1) Common IELTS Essay Questions

IELTS practice essay questions divided by topic. These topics have been reported by IELTS students in their tests. Essay questions have been recreated as accurately as possible.

• Art   (5 essay questions)
• Business & Money   (17 essay questions)
• Communication & Personality   (20 essay questions)
• Crime & Punishment   (12 essay questions)
• Education   (17 essay questions)
• Environment   (12 essay questions)
• Family & Children   (8 essay questions)
• Food & Diet (13 essay questions)
• Government (6 essay questions)
• Health   (9 essay questions)
• Housing, Buildings & Urban Planning (8 essay questions)
• Language (6 essay questions)
• Leisure (1 essay question)
• Media & Advertising   (12 essay questions)
• Reading  (5 essay questions)
• Society   (10 essay questions)
• Space Exploration (3 questions)
• Sport & Exercise   (6 essay questions)
• Technology  (6 essay questions)
• Tourism and Travel   (11 essay questions)
• Transport  (7 essay questions)
• Work (17 essay questions)

2) IELTS Essay Questions by Essay Type 

There are 5 main types of essay questions in IELTS writing task 2 (opinion essays, discussion essay, advantage/disadvantage essays, solution essay and direct question essays). Click on the links below to see some sample essay questions for each type.

• Opinion Essay Questions
• Discussion Essay Questions
• Solution Essay Questions
• Direct Questions Essay Titles 
• Advantage / Disadvantage Essay Questions

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IELTS Charlie

Your Guide to IELTS Band 7

IELTS Writing Task 2: Question Types

In this post, I’m going to explain the different types of question that you might be asked to answer in Task 2 of the IELTS Writing Test , and I’ll give you some   IELTS essay structures  that you can use to help you  plan your essay  better.

Knowing  how to answer each question correctly , and knowing  how to structure your essay  are essential if you want to get a Band 7+ in IELTS Writing Task 2. So read on…!

The Main Question Types

There are 5 main question types that appear in the IELTS Writing Test:

• Two-sided discussion
• Agree or disagree
• Advantages and disadvantages
• Problems and Solutions
• Direct questions

I’ll explain how you should respond to each of these question types.

Note that I talk about “IELTS question types”, not “IELTS essay types”. This is because there is really on ONE type of essay in Task 2 of the IELTS Writing Test: the discursive essay. In a discursive essay, you are asked to present and support your views on a particular issue. All IELTS essays ask you to do this. The question types are simply different ways to get you to do this.

The 4 Paragraph Structure

I will also suggest some simple structures for each of these question types. It’s important for your essay to have a clear paragraph structure , as this helps you to organise your ideas better, and means you will write a more coherent essay . I generally suggest a 4 paragraph structure :

• Paragraph 1: introduction
• Paragraph 2: body paragraph 1
• Paragraph 3: body paragraph 2
• Paragraph 4: conclusion

(A body paragraph is simply the paragraph where you present, explain and support your views.)

Using a 4 paragraph structure is a good idea, because you often have 2 things to discuss in an IELTS essay – e.g. two different views, or advantages AND disadvantages. A 2 paragraph structure helps you to discuss the 2 things equally , and you need to do this to get a Band 7 for Task Response.

These structures are only  guides . They are NOT rules. Many IELTS test takers think that they “have to” use a particular structure for a particular essay. This is not true. However, you DO need to have a clear structure to your essay if you want to get a high band score – these structures are simply ways to help you do this.

So let’s start by looking at the first of the five main IELTS question types:

1. Two Sided Discussion

In a two-sided discussion essay, you are presented with  2 different views on an issue . (These are not necessarily opposing views, just different ones.)

This question is worded like this:

“Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.”

For example:

Some people say History is one of the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like Science and Technology are more important than History.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

(Cambridge IELTS Academic 13 Test 3)

This type of question also appears in the General Training Test:

Some people say that now we can see films on our phones or tablets there is no need to go to the cinema. Others say that to be fully enjoyed, films need to be seen in a cinema. 

(Cambridge IELTS General Training 13 Test 3)

What Does The Question Ask You To Do?

You need to do two things:

• Present the reasons for each view
• Present your own view

In other words, you are asked to provide a blend of objective discussion and personal opinion .

Let’s look at each of these in more detail.

Firstly , you need to present the REASONS for each view .

• WHY do some people say that History is one of the most important school subjects?
• WHY do some people think that Science and Technology are more important than History?
• WHY do some people say that there is no need to go to the cinema to watch films?
• WHY do some people say that you need to go to the cinema to fully enjoy films?

To get a high band score, you should present the reasons for each view objectively . In other words, you need to ‘put yourself in someone else’s shoes’ (or, rather, in their head!) Why do they take this view? What are the reasons for their view?

For example, why do some people think that History is one of the most important school subjects? I can think of a couple of reasons:

• it’s important to understand your country’s past
• it helps develops literacy skills

And why do some people think that subjects like Science and Technology are more important that History? Here are a couple of reasons:

• you develop skills that are important in getting a job
• it’s useful to have an understanding of science for daily life (e.g. health and electronics)

It’s important to understand that the 2 views given in an IELTS test question are going to be sensible, reasonable views . They won’t be crazy ones, such as  “some people think that playing computer games is one of the most important school subjects” or “ some people think that you should watch movies in the bathroom” ! So there WILL be good reasons for these views. You just need to think about and explain what they are.

Secondly , you need to present your OWN view . Your opinion. You need to say what YOU think

It’s a good idea to base this on your discussion of the 2 views. You could point out the weaknesses or limitations of the view you disagree with, or suggest which view is stronger .

e.g.  “While I agree that watching movies on mobile devices is very convenient, cinemas offer a much better experience overall because of the size of cinema screens and the quality of sound systems they have.”

In short, a ‘discuss both views and give your own opinion essay’ is a blend of objective discussion and personal opinion .

For more information, and how to make your position clear throughout your essay, read this lesson on how to answer an IELTS Discuss Both Views essay question .

In a 2 sided discussion, here’s the structure I would recommend:

• Paragraph 1: introduce essay
• Paragraph 2: present the reasons for the 1st view
• Paragraph 3: present the reasons for the 2nd view
• Paragraph 4: present your opinion

More Example Questions

Here are some more examples of Two Sided Discussion Essay Questions:

Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.

(Cambridge IELTS 8 Academic Test 1)

Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest times of most people’s lives. Others think that adult life brings more happiness, in spite of greater responsibilities.

(Cambridge IELTS 9 GT Test B)

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

(Cambridge IELTS 14 Test 1)

2. Agree or Disagree

The next question type is the agree or disagree essay. In this question type, you are given an opinion, and you need to explain whether you agree with it or not.

This question is usually worded differently in the Academic and General Training tests.

In the Academic Test, the question is usually worded like this:

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

So for example:

Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. 

(Cambridge IELTS Academic 13 Test 2)

In the General Training Test, the typical wording is:

Do you agree or disagree? What is your opinion about this?

Here’s an example of a General Training test question:

Some people say that it is possible to tell a lot about a person’s culture and character from their choice of clothes. 

Do you agree or disagree?

(Cambridge IELTS General Training 11 Test 4)

In the Academic Test , you are asked to explain the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement. In other words, how much you agree or disagree with the statement .

In the General Training Test , you are asked to explain whether you agree or disagree with the statement .

However, while the wording is different between Academic and General Training, your task is pretty much the same. Say what you think about the statement .

A good 4 paragraph structure would look like this:

• Paragraph 1: introduce essay and briefly state your views
• Paragraph 2: give a 1st reason for your view
• Paragraph 3: give a 2nd reason for your view
• Paragraph 4: summarise your views.

(You could add a third reason for your view if you wanted – this would make it a 5 paragraph essay. But be careful! If you want a Band 7+ for Task Response, make sure you explain your reasons in detail. 2 reasons explained in detail is better than 3 reasons explained briefly.)

Here are some more example questions for the agree / disagree question type:

Some people say that in all levels of education, from primary schools to universities, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills. 

Do you agree or disagree? 

(Cambridge IELTS 11 General Training Test 2)

In some areas of the US, a ‘curfew’ is imposed, in which teenagers are not allowed to be out of doors after a particular time at night unless they are accompanied by an adult. 

What is your opinion about this?

(Cambridge IELTS General Training 13 Test 1)

Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? 

(Cambridge IELTS Academic 14 Test 3)

3. Advantages and Disadvantages

The third question type is the advantages and disadvantages essay. In this kind of question, you will usually be given a statement about a development or a situation, and you will be asked to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of it.

This question type is usually worded differently for the Academic and General Training tests.

In the Academic Test , the question is usually worded like this:

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. 

Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?

(Cambridge IELTS Academic 12 Test 6)

If you are doing the General Training Test , the wording is often like this:

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Some parents buy their children a large number of toys to play with. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages for the child of having a large number of toys?

(Cambridge IELTS 10 General Training Test B)

Different Words

Often, the words “advantages” and “disadvantages” are changed. The most common alternative wording is “benefits” (instead of “advantages”) and “drawbacks” (instead of “disadvantages”).  For example:

Today more and more tourists are visiting places where conditions are difficult, such as the Sahara desert or the Antarctic. 

What are the benefits and disadvantages for tourists who visit such places? 

(Cambridge IELTS General Training 12 Test 5)

You might also be asked “is this a positive or negative development?”

In recent years, many small local shops have closed because customers travel to large shopping centres or malls to do their shopping. 

Is this a positive or a negative development? 

(Cambridge IELTS General Training 12 Test 8)

Even though the words are different, the task remains the same, so when I refer to “advantages”, I’m also talking about “benefits” and “positive”, and when I refer to “disadvantages”, I’m also talking about “drawbacks” and “negatives”.

• Advantages = benefits, positives
• Disadvantages = drawbacks, negatives

What does the question ask you to do?

In the Academic test , you need to explain if you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages; in other words, whether the advantages are more important than the disadvantages. In the General Training Test , your task is more simple: you should discuss what you think are the advantages and the disadvantages .

Test takers have asked me if they must write more than one advantage and more than one disadvantage, because the plural form is used in the question. Read my answer in this blog post .

I suggest you use almost exactly the same structure, regardless of whether you are taking the Academic or General Training Test:

• Paragraph 2: discuss what you think are the advantages
• Paragraph 3: discuss what you think are the disadvantages
• Paragraph 4 (Ac): explain if you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages
• Paragraph 4 (GT): summarise your views

This structure is very similar to a ‘two sided discussion’ question, because you are essentially being asked to discuss 2 sides of the issue: the advantages and the disadvantages.

If you are doing the Academic test, your conclusion must address the “outweigh” part of the question. However, in a good response (Band 7+), your position should be hinted at during the body paragraphs, and even in the introduction.

If you “strongly” believe that there are only advantages to something, then in theory you could just discuss the advantages (i.e. the reasons for your view). However, IELTS advantages and disadvantages questions are usually on topics where a sensible person can see both advantages AND disadvantages. In other words, a response to an authentic IELTS essay that only discussed the advantages (or disadvantages) might be seen as unbalanced, and this could limit your band score for Task Response.

Here are some more example questions for advantages and disadvantages:

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. 

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? 

(Cambridge IELTS Academic 9 Test 1)

Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same products anywhere in the world.

Do you think this is a positive or negative development? 

(Cambridge IELTS Academic 10 Test 3)

4. Problems and Solutions

Another common question type is the problems and solutions question. You are given a statement about a problem , and you must respond by discussing the problem in more detail, along with some possible solutions to the problem.

These types of question can be worded in a variety of ways. Here are some common examples:

• What problems are associated with this and what are some possible solutions.
• What difficulties does this cause? What can we do to tackle this problem?

What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?

• Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem?

Here’s an example question:

Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century. 

What problems are associated with this and what are some possible solutions. 

In this essay, you are asked to discuss problems linked to global warming (e.g. melting ice caps) and then suggest some solutions.

But it’s very important to read these kinds of question very carefully. Look at this question:

In some countries the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and fitness are decreasing.

(Cambridge IELTS 8 Academic Test 4)

This question is NOT asking you to discuss a problem; it’s asking you to discuss the CAUSES of the problem, as well as their solutions. This is why you must read problem-solution essay questions very carefully: in the question above, some test takers might discuss the problem (e.g. the problems experienced by overweight people), rather than the causes of the problems. This will limit their band score for Task Response to Band 5.

Here’s a simple structure for a problem / solution essay:

• Paragraph 2: discuss 2 problems
• Paragraph 3: discuss 2 solutions
• Paragraph 4: summarise your ideas.

Here is an alternative structure:

• Paragraph 2: discuss one problem and a solution to this problem
• Paragraph 3: discuss one problem and a solution to this problem

However, this structure is not always appropriate, so use it carefully! If your ideas are not closely related to the problem, it can cause problems with coherence. For example, one problem caused by global warming is melting icecaps; however, there is no direct solution to melting icecaps –  the solution often lies a long way from the polar ice caps .

In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry.

Why is this the case?

What can be done about this problem?

(Cambridge IELTS Academic 13 Test 4)

In many countries, the amount of crime is increasing.

What do you think are the main causes of crime?

How can we deal with those causes?

(Cambridge IELTS 10 General Training Test 2)

Children today spend a lot of time on social media. 

What potential problems could this cause and how could they be addressed?

5. Direct Questions

Finally you may sometimes get a question which does not easily fit into one of the above categories. You will be presented with a statement, and you will be asked one or two questions about it. (Often these are called 2 part questions).

Here’s an example:

Many people have problems managing their money. 

What skills does a person need to manage their money well? 

Who should teach children these skills?

Sometimes, one or both of the questions will be similar to those I discussed above, such as problems, disadvantages or whether you agree or not.

Car ownership has increased so rapidly over the past thirty years that many cities in the world are now ‘one big traffic jam’.

How true do you think this statement is?

What measures can governments take to discourage people from using their cars?

(The Official Cambridge Guide To IELTS Test 3)

The first question is asking you if you agree and how much (“how true”), so it’s similar to a “to what extent do you agree” question. The second question is asking you about “measures”, in other words,  “solutions” to the problem of traffic jams in cities .

I would recommend a simple structure like this:

• Paragraph 1: introduce the essay
• Paragraph 2: discuss your answer to the 1st question
• Paragraph 3: discuss your answer to the 2nd question

Example Questions

More and more people today are moving from the countryside. 

Why is this happening? 

Do you think it is a positive or a negative development?

Today more people are travelling than ever before.

What are the benefits of travelling for the traveller?

Some people feel that schools should teach children how to become a good parent. 

Do you agree or disagree with this opinion? 

What skills do people need to be a good parent?

So those are the 5 main question types:

• 2-sided discussion

But regardless of the question type, make sure you read the question carefully ! Make sure you understand exactly what the question wants you to do. If you don’t fully answer the question, you will only get a maximum score of Band 5 for Task Response.

I hope my explanations of how to answer these questions, and how to structure your essays, were clear and helpful. Please share if you think others will find it useful.

Good luck with the IELTS!

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Discover the 7 STEPS to BAND 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, sat sample questions: every single question type explained.

SAT General Info

Why all the lingo? Why all these divisions and subdivisions by topic and type? Well, this guide will explain the logic behind the different terms and walk you through every single question type, with real SAT sample questions.

As you know, there are three types of sections on the SAT: reading, writing, and math. Each section has its own breakdown of major question types, all detailed below. Read on to discover exactly what types of questions you'll encounter on the SAT and get lots of sample SAT questions.

What's the big idea?

Because you don't want to spend any precious time on interpreting directions come test day, you should make sure to familiarize yourself with the standard instructions on the SAT. Each question type has its own set of instructions , so it's important to know how to approach each one efficiently.

It's also useful to understand what skills each task is designed to test : not only what content is covered but also how you're expected to apply your knowledge.

The reading section is divided into two main categories: sentence completions and reading passages. Let's go through the different types of questions you'll see for each with sample SAT reading questions.

Sentence completions

You should know right off the bat that this task will be gone when the SAT redesign takes effect in 2016. For now, though, it's an important component of the test. Out of 67 reading questions, 19 are sentence completions.

You'll be faced with a series of incomplete and unrelated sentences , each one missing a word or two. Your mission (should you choose to accept it or not) is to choose the word or words that will best round out each sentence .

The sentence completion category of questions can be further subdivided one of two ways: one-blank vs. two-blank sentence completions, or vocab-based vs. logic-based sentence completions. Note that these are two separate systems of organization; a question will have either one blank or two, and it will test either vocab or logic.

One-blank sentence completions

These are classic, prototypical sentence completions. One word (or, occasionally, one very short phrase) has been removed from the sentence.

Two-blank sentence completions

These questions contain the added layer of a second missing word (or phrase).

Vocab-based questions

These questions are designed specifically to test your understanding of words—often obscure ones. The sentences are fairly straightforward , and the test hands you definitions or descriptions of the missing terms. Often, a simple independent clause is linked by a comma or colon to a phrase that reiterates the very same information.

Logic-based questions

The sentences featured in these questions have many more twists and turns. The vocabulary may be basic or more complex, but either way you're not likely to find any definitions handed to you. The point is to see if you can infer the meaning of the sentence without the help of the most crucial content words.

It's common to see words that imply a contrast or contradiction , such as but, while, although, or despite, in this type of sentence.

Great! So...how do I deal with these?

For any given question, if you're already familiar with all of the words, examine the logic of the sentence carefully . Be on the lookout for crucial structure words , especially those that signal a contrast or contradiction. Eliminate any answer that contains a word that doesn't fit. Continue to narrow down until you have your answer.

But what if you don't know all of the words ? There are ways to work with that! In fact, check out this great article on how to attack sentence completion questions strategically without swallowing a thesaurus .

Out of 67 reading questions, 48 are passage-based. There are single passages that stand alone and double passages presented as pairs . Passages vary considerably in length, from about 100 to about 850 words. Questions fall into three main categories: extended reasoning , literal comprehension , and vocabulary in context .

Extended reasoning

These questions are aimed at assessing your global understanding of passages. There are five basic types of extended reasoning question:

• Big picture questions ask explicitly about a passage's main idea or primary purpose. Check out our complete guide to mastering big picture questions .
• Inference questions ask you to make inferences based on information suggested by, but not explicitly stated in, a passage. Check out our complete guide to mastering inference questions .
• Function questions ask you to figure out how a specific portion of the passage functions as part of the whole. Check out our complete guide to mastering function questions .
• Author technique questions ask about the use of literary devices in the passage. Check out our complete guide to mastering author technique questions .
• Analogy questions ask you to draw an analogy between ideas expressed in the passage and ideas drawn from another source. Check out our complete guide to mastering analogy questions .

Literal comprehension

These questions test your understanding of information that's given directly in the passage . You'll be asked to refer to a specific point in the passage and select the answer that best explains that portion of the text.

Basically, you won't have to go beyond what's written , though you will have to recognize the same information restated in different ways . You can also check out our complete guide to mastering literal comprehension questions .

Vocabulary in context

These questions test your vocabulary, including your understanding of secondary or nonstandard definitions of words. For instance, "bright" could refer to a luminescent object in one scenario and to a clever child in another. The good news is that you have context to help you figure out how the word is being used in any particular passage.

For more information, check out our complete guide to mastering vocabulary in context questions .

I wish there were a one-size-fits-all formula for the SAT reading passages. I really do. Unfortunately, though, that's not the case.

Some people prefer to give the passage a thorough read, then attack the questions. Others like to give the questions a quick skim before they pick apart the passage. As you consider what strategies might serve you best, definitely check out our detailed guide to reading passages on the SAT .

That's SAT reading for you, in a nutshell. Don't stop there , though; there's much more to learn. Be sure to check out our complete guide to the entire reading section .

Before we delve too far into writing, I need to offer a disclaimer. The writing section of the SAT is getting a complete makeover starting in 2016. The information below refers to its current iteration . If you're preparing for the new test, head on over to our complete guide to the redesigned SAT .

For now, however, there are four types of writing tasks: the essay and three varieties of multiple choice questions. Those are called identifying sentence errors, improving sentences, and improving paragraphs. We'll give you a bunch of sample SAT writing questions.

As you are probably aware, there is precisely one essay question on the SAT. It accounts for 30% of your writing score. Generally speaking, SAT essay prompts are quite broad and philosophical . You need to take a stance on some issue and defend it.

Essay prompts can be divided into a few different categories:

• Morality questions ask you to comment on an issue of right and wrong and evaluate possible human behaviors.
• Opinions and values questions ask you to weigh in on which of two options is inherently better than its counterpart.
• Success and achievement questions ask you to discuss different routes to and implications of human accomplishment.
• Society and culture questions ask about the status of today's human world.
• Knowledge, learning, and creativity questions ask you to assess some aspect of wisdom or growth.
• Counterintuitive statement questions ask you to discuss the viability of a seemingly paradoxical suggestion.
• Cause and effect questions ask you to gauge whether one reality results from another or not.

If you're interested in a more detailed discussion of these categories, check out our article dedicated to examples of each type or our comprehensive list of what you might encounter on the test .

There will always be a brief quotation or commentary included to help contextualize the debate, followed by an explicit question.

One thing to know is that, while the quotation may be helpful in getting your creative juices flowing, it's not a necessary component of your essay .

The key to a high-scoring essay is a thesis that takes a strong stance on the issue at hand. You'll also want a handful of concrete examples from your own life, from history, from literature, from current events, from pop culture...from anywhere, really, as long as they ground your argument in good, solid evidence.

There's a lot more to know about crafting the essay, so be sure to check out our articles dedicated to the topic. Start with our step-by-step breakdown of the writing process . Then consider reading advice on how to get a 12 on the SAT essay or tips on improving your essay score .

Multiple choice

Multiple choice questions account for the other 70% of your writing score. The first two multiple choice tasks, identifying sentence error and improving sentences, test the same basic topics. These are discussed in depth in our article on the content of the SAT writing section .

Identifying sentence errors

There are 18 of these questions on the test. You're going to see a series of sentences. In each sentence, four words or short phrases will be underlined . At the end of each sentence you'll see the phrase, "No error". Anything that's underlined is a potential error and corresponds to an answer choice. There will never be more than one mistake in a sentence, and there will never be a mistake that isn't underlined.

Your job is to find the mistake (if there is one). If there's no mistake, choose "No error": this applies to about one question out of every six.

These questions tend to be the quickest grammar problems, so it's a good idea to knock them out first .

Read the full sentence. Does anything leap out as grammatically wrong? Is it underlined? If nothing strong strikes you as an obvious error, look at each underlined word or phrase and think about what it's likely to be testing. Remember: problems with verbs are most common, followed by problems with pronouns .

For a more thorough exploration of these techniques, check out our full article on identifying sentence errors strategies .

Improving sentences

There are 25 of these questions on the test. Once again, you're going to see a series of sentences. In each sentence, one word or phrase will be underlined (or maybe even the entire sentence). The underlined portion of the sentence contains a potential error .

Your job is to choose, from among the answer choices, the most suitable alternative to the underlined phrase . Choice A is always an exact replication of the original phrasing; it's like the "No error" option for this task and applies to about one question out of every six.

Be aware that these questions take a little more time than identifying sentence errors. But note that the last section of the test contains only improving sentences questions and nothing else, so you can't always opt to save them for later.

Read the full sentence. Does anything leap out as grammatically wrong? If so, how would you correct it? Look for an answer choice similar to what you anticipated .

If the sentence seems all right on a first read, though, examine the underlined portion of the sentence and try to figure out what it's likely to be testing. Still not finding anything? If time permits, try placing each answer choice in the context of the sentence and reading it over again.

For a more thorough exploration of these techniques , check out our full article on improving sentences strategies .

Improving paragraphs

There are 6 of these questions on the test. This task is rather similar to improving sentences; however, some questions ask for a broader analysis of the passage . In other words, you need to think about the big picture as well as the nitty-gritty details.

There are seven sub-categories of improving paragraphs questions. Note that not all seven will be on any given test.

• Improving sentences questions are, as you might suspect, just like normal improving sentences questions.
• Transition questions ask about creating the smoothest, most logical flow from one point to the next; often, it's a question of a single word or two.
• Organization questions ask you to move around the sentences within a passage.
• Conciseness questions rely on the idea that shorter is sweeter on the SAT, as long as no crucial information is left out.
• Meaning and purpose questions ask about why the author wrote a particular portion of the passage in a specific way or about the major idea behind the passage as a whole.
• Eliminating and adding sentences questions ask about the value of inserting or deleting information.
• Specificity questions ask you to recognize that sometimes the author's initial word choice can be improved upon by making the diction of the passage more precise.

First, skim the passage. This is not an in-depth read: just a quick gander to get the general gist. Mark anything that seems really off : grammar errors, transitions that don't make sense, etc.

Next, dive into the questions! Don't be afraid to look back at the passage frequently to reestablish a sense of context. Also, remember to check out our article on the absolute best strategies for approaching this task .

And that's SAT writing. It's really just the tip of the test prep iceberg, though, so be sure to look at our complete guide to the entire writing section .

First and foremost, math questions come in two basic varieties: student-produced response questions , or grid-ins, and multiple choice questions . I'll show you sample SAT math questions for each.

Student-produced response questions

There are 10 of these questions. What makes them unique is that there are no answer choices provided to you; you must write down and bubble in your response. It's a relatively easy process, but I'm going to break it down for you, step by step—just in case you're curious.

You can grid in whole numbers, decimals, and fractions ranging in value from 0 to 9999. You can't grid in negative numbers or mixed numbers, but improper fractions are okay.

There are four boxes in a row at the top of the grid: write your answer in those boxes, one digit or symbol per box. Underneath each box is a column containing a series of bubbles, each representing a digit or other character as printed within the bubble. Fill in the bubble that corresponds to what you wrote in the box at the top of each column . You can write your answer starting in any column, space permitting—it doesn't matter whether you're aligned to the left or to the right. Leave any columns you're not using totally blank .

Multiple choice questions

Yep, these are just your standard, run-of-the-mill, multiple choice questions. There are 44 of them.

There are four main categories of math questions, all of which are eligible to be tested by multiple choice or by grid-in:

Numbers and operations

Algebra and functions, geometry and measurement, data analysis, statistics, and probability.

There are 11-13 of these questions. They cover topics like properties of integers , number lines , and elementary number theory , etc. Definitely check out our articles on integers , sequences , and fractions and ratios .

There are a whopping 19-21 of these questions. They cover topics like systems of equations , functions , and quadratic factoring , etc. Take a look at our articles on single variable equations , systems of equations , and functions .

There are 14-16 of these questions. They cover topics like triangles , circles , and coordinate geometry , etc. Be sure you read our articles on triangles , polygons , circles , lines and angles , lines and slopes , and solid geometry .

There are 6-7 of these questions. They cover topics such as statistics , elementary probability , and geometric probability , etc. Don't forget to take a look at our articles on statistics and probability .

Make sure you understand the question. One of the toughest things about the SAT is its frequently deceptive wording .

Check your assumptions at the door. Remember that drawings are not to scale and avoid jumping to conclusions.

Always identify your own personal best method of solving . There's more than one way to solve a problem, and math can get creative; it's not a one-size-fits-all scenario .

Keep track of your work— write it down ! Also, use your calculator judiciously. It's a great tool, but it can be dangerous to rely on it too much.

Try plugging in an answer or another sensible value if you're not comfortable proceeding algebraically. Take a moment to review our articles on how and when to plug in answer choices and how and when to plug in other values .

Review and practice mathematical concepts on a regular basis . A good place to start is our complete guide to SAT math content .

What's next?

Now that you understand the kinds of problems you'll be facing, it's time to brush up on the content of the test and establish a regular practice regimen .

Not convinced of how important this process can be? We have articles that specifically address why you need to prepare for the SAT and how many hours you should expect to commit , as well as the bigger picture of how long the process is going to take .

Are you ready to get started? Get answers to your questions about when you should start studying , creating a study plan as a sophomore or junior , and creating a study plan as a rising senior .

Not sure how to set a goal score? Read our article on deciding where to set your sights for the SAT .

If you'd like help identifying which types of questions need the most work and how you can drill them, you may wish to consider a program with PrepScholar.

Vero is a firsthand expert at standardized testing and the college application process. Though neither parent had graduated high school, and test prep was out of the question, she scored in the 99th percentile on both the SAT and ACT, taking each test only once. She attended Dartmouth, graduating as salutatorian of 2013. She later worked as a professional tutor. She has a great passion for the arts, especially theater.

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IELTS Task 2 Essays Understand the 5 Different Types

There are 5 main types of IELTS Task 2 essays:

1)    Opinion Essays  

2)    Discussion Essays

3)    Problem Solution Essays

4)    Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

5)    Double Question Essays

Most questions fit one of these categories. However, questions can be written in many different ways, which can make it difficult to determine which type they are.

On this page, I want to give you an overview of all 5 IELTS Task 2 essay types, with samples questions to help you recognise some of the different wording often used. I’ve also included a basic structure for each that you can use to as a guide for essay planning, a vital step in the writing process.

I go into each type of question in more detail on its own page.  Click the links above or at the bottom of this page to see these. 

First, here’s the basic 4 part structure I recommend that you use for Task 2 essays:

1)  Introduction

2)  Main Body Paragraph 1 

3)  Main Body Paragraph 2 

4)  Conclusion

Want  to watch and listen to this lesson?

Click on this video.

The sort of information you include in each of the 4 sections will vary depending on the question type and that’s what I’m now going to outline for you.

These easy to learn structures will enable you to quickly plan and write any IELTS Task 2 essay.

The structures below are not the only ones you could use but they are the ones I recommend because they’re simple and give proven results.

1) Opinion Essays

These are sometimes called ‘agree or disagree’ or ‘argumentative’ essays and are one of the most common types of IELTS Task 2 question.

The first part of the question will be a statement. You will then be asked to give your own opinion about the statement. Here is some typical wording that might be used:

• What is your opinion?
• Do you agree or disagree?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Here is an example of each:

• Choose one side of the argument.
• State your opinion clearly in the introduction.
• Keep the same opinion throughout the essay.
• Give reasons why you hold this view.

It doesn’t matter which side of the argument you take or even that you agree with it. Choose the one you can develop the best argument for.

Don’t change your opinion part way through the essay and don’t give reasons for the opposing idea.

Essay Structure

1) Introduction

• Paraphrase the question
• Give your opinion
• State two supporting reasons

2) Main body paragraph 1

• Topic sentence – outline 1st reason for supporting this view
• Explanation – explain this idea
• Example – give an example

3)  Main body paragraph 2

• Topic sentence – outline 2nd reason for supporting this view
• Summarise opinion and key reasons

2) Discussion Essays

In discussion essays, you have to discuss both sides of an argument. Usually, you will be asked for your own opinion as well.

The easiest way to approach this type of IELTS Task 2 question is to choose one point of view to agree with and one side to disagree with.

Here are 3 examples of discussion essay questions:

• Develop both sides of the argument.
• Talk about the view you don’t agree with first.

A big mistake many students make is to fully develop only one point of view. This leads to an unbalanced essay and a low score for task achievement. 

It is easier to begin by discussing the opinion you don’t agree with and then present the reasons for your opposing view.

2)  Main body paragraph 1 – Negative Viewpoint

• Topic sentence – outline the view you don’t agree with
• Explanation – explain why this view is held by some people

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Positive Viewpoint

• Topic sentence – outline the view you do agree with
• Summarise the key points and state your opinion

3)  Problem Essays  

These are sometimes called ‘causes and solutions’ or ‘problems and solutions’ essays. This type of IELTS Task 2 question starts with a statement, then asks you to discuss the problems or causes and the solutions.

• Don’t list lots of causes and solutions.
• Choose just one or two and develop them fully.
• Be sure to link each problem/cause and its solution.

A common mistake is for candidates to list all the problems/causes and solutions they can think of, not necessarily linking them together.  They also fail to explain any of them in detail and don’t include any examples.

The wording of this type of essay question can vary considerably.  Here are 3 examples of problem essay questions:

• State 1 key problem/cause and related solution

2)  Main body paragraph 1 – Problem or Cause

• Topic sentence – state the problem or cause
• Explanation – give detail explaining the problem or cause

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Solution

• Topic sentence – state the solution
• Explanation – give detail explaining the solution

4)  Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

The first part of the question will be a statement. You will be asked to write about both the advantages and disadvantages of the idea stated.

Here is some typical wording that might be used:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of….?
• Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion.

Here are 3 examples of advantages and disadvantages essay questions:

Each of these different types of questions fits into one of two slightly different essay structures. We’ll look at these in detail on the main IELTS Task 2 Advantages & Disadvantages Essays page. For now, I’ll give you the basic structure.

• Outline the view or views stated the statement

2)  Main body paragraph 1 – Advantage

• Topic sentence – state 1 advantage
• Explanation – give detail explaining the advantage
• Result – state the result

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Disadvantage

• Topic sentence – state 1 disadvantage
• Explanation – give detail explaining the disadvantage
• Summarise the key points
• State your opinion if required

5)  Double Question Essays

This type of IELTS Task 2 question is sometimes called a ‘direct question’ or ‘two questions’ essay. It has one statement with two different questions after it. The questions may or may not be linked.

• You must answer both questions fully.
• Don’t confuse it with an opinion or a discussion essay.
• Be careful that you don’t end up with too many ideas to write about.

Here are 3 examples of double question essay questions:

• Outline sentence – state your answer to both questions

2)  Main body paragraph 1 – Answer question 1

• Topic sentence – state your answer
• Explanation – explain why you think this

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Answer question 2

• Summarise both questions and answers

I hope you’ve found this information useful. You can learn lots more about writing the 5 different types of IELTS Task 2 essay and see sample answers on these pages:

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.

   Opinion Essays

   Discussion Essays

  Problem Solution Essays

  Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

  Double Question Essays

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More help with ielts task 2.

IELTS Writing Task 2  – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

Understanding Task 2 Questions  – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay  – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction  – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs  – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid. 

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions  – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria  – Find out how to meet the marking criteria for IELTS Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

Other related pages:

IELTS Writing Test  – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.

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Essay Writing Guide

Types Of Essay

Explore Different Types of Essays, their Purpose, and Sub-types

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Are you a college or high school student ready to start on a journey through the fascinating world of essay writing ? Brace yourself because you'll encounter a variety of essay types that will challenge your writing skills and creativity.

Picture this: You're handed an assignment, a blank canvas on which to express your thoughts and ideas. But here's the catch – your teacher won't always specify the type of essay you should craft. It's up to you to solve the riddle hidden within the assignment question.

But fear not! 

In this blog, we'll discuss the four most common types of essays you're likely to encounter during your academic years. While these essays may share a common foundation and structure, each possesses its own unique characteristics. Let’s get started!

• 1. Major Types of Essays In Academic Writing
• 2. Argumentative Essay
• 3. Descriptive Essay
• 4. Expository Essay
• 5. Narrative Essay
• 6. Other Essay Types

Major Types of Essays In Academic Writing

When it comes to academic writing, understanding the different types of essays is essential. Each type serves a distinct purpose and requires a specific approach. Let's explore these essay types along with their descriptions and example prompts in the table below:

Understanding these major types of essays and the skills they assess will empower you to approach your academic writing with confidence. Depending on your assignment's requirements, you'll be better equipped to choose the appropriate essay type and showcase your writing abilities effectively. 

Each type offers a unique opportunity for you to express your ideas, and arguments and perfect your specific writing skills.

Here are the key types of essay formats explained in detail, along with examples to enhance your understanding.

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Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is an essay type that presents a well-structured argument supported by evidence and reasoning. The primary goal is to engage the reader in a discussion, provide evidence, and logically demonstrate why a particular viewpoint is more valid.

In simple words, the writer must provide evidence and remain consistent in their stance. While argumentative essays present both sides of an issue, they strongly support one perspective. 

Characteristics of Argumentative Essay

• Clear Thesis: It should have a clear thesis statement to state the writer's position.
• Balanced Presentation: An argumentative essay addresses opposing views.
• Evidence: It relies on credible and relevant evidence.
• Logical Reasoning: The essay presents arguments coherently and logically.
• Persuasive Techniques: It uses persuasive techniques like ethos, pathos, and logos effectively.
• Introduction: The introduction introduces the topic and thesis, engaging the reader's interest.
• Body: The body paragraphs present arguments with supporting evidence.
• Counterargument: It addresses opposing viewpoints and refutes them.
• Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes key points and reinforces the thesis, leaving a strong impression.

Argumentative Essay Example

Before beginning the writing process, it is better to go through some expertly crafted argumentative essay examples . This approach enables you to grasp the argumentative essay outline and writing style more effectively.

Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay is a form of writing that aims to immerse readers in a sensory-rich experience. Unlike informational or persuasive essays, its primary goal is to vividly depict a person, place, object, event, or experience.   The descriptive essay must evoke the senses and emotions of the reader. In simple terms, the reader should see what you saw and feel what you felt. To make it better, you can use several literary devices such as;

• Alliteration

All of them help in making the experience and your essay better.

Key Characteristics 

• Sensory Detail: Descriptive essays appeal to the five senses to create a multisensory experience.
• Vivid Imagery: They use figurative language and descriptive adjectives to bring the narrative to life.
• Emotional Connection: These essays often aim to establish an emotional bond between the reader and the subject.
• Structured Approach: They typically follow an introduction-body-conclusion structure.
• Introduction: Introduces the subject and purpose, sometimes with a thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs: Focus on specific aspects or details using sensory language and vivid descriptions.
• Conclusion: Summarizes the central theme and leaves a lasting impression.

Descriptive Essay Example

Creating a perfect descriptive essay for an assignment is not difficult if you go through some expert descriptive essay examples first. 

Need more examples? Read our Descriptive Essay Examples and Writing Tips blog to get inspired!

Expository Essay

An expository essay is a type of writing that provides clear and objective explanations of a topic without expressing personal opinions. It aims to inform and educate by presenting factual information and analysis.

Therefore, it is important that you make a focused outline and stick to it throughout the process. 

An expository essay incorporates a wide array of essays such as:

• Cause and effect essays
• Process essays
• Analytical essays
• Compare and contrast essays

Key Characteristics

• Objective Presentation: Expository writing maintains an impartial tone, avoiding personal biases.
• Informativeness: They focus on explaining complex ideas or processes in a straightforward manner.
• Structured: These essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Use of Evidence: They rely on credible evidence, facts, and examples to support the topic.
• Introduction: Introduces the topic and often includes a thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect and provides explanations and evidence.
• Conclusion: Restates the main idea and summarizes key points.

Expository Essay Example

Looking for more sample essays? Check out our Expository Essay Examples blog and take inspiration from a range of expository essays!

Narrative Essay

A narrative essay is a type of academic writing that tells a story or recounts a personal experience. Unlike other essays, its primary purpose is to engage and entertain the reader through storytelling.

• Narrative Structure: Follows a chronological sequence with an introduction, body, climax, and conclusion.
• First-Person Perspective: Typically written from the first-person point of view (e.g., "I" and "we") , sharing personal experiences and emotions.
• Vivid Description: Relies on descriptive language and imagery to create a clear picture of events, characters, and settings.
• Emotional Connection: Aims to establish an emotional bond with the reader by conveying the writer's thoughts and feelings.
• Introduction: Sets the stage and introduces the central theme or problem.
• Body: Presents events or experiences in chronological order with sensory details.
• Climax: Often includes a central event or turning point.
• Conclusion: Reflects on the narrative, offering insights, lessons, or resolution.

Narrative Essay Example

Wondering how to get your story into an interesting narrative? Learn the best way to write a perfect narrative essay with the help of expert narrative essay examples. 

For more examples visit our blog on narrative essay examples .

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Other Essay Types

In addition to the major types of essays discussed earlier, there are several other specialized types that cater to specific audiences. These essays provide diverse avenues for writers to communicate their ideas effectively. 

We will go through these essay types here.

Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay is another type of academic essay. In this essay type, the writer utilizes logic and reasoning to show one’s idea is more convincing than another idea. 

In writing a persuasive essay, the main aim is to persuade the reader to accept a certain point of view. The presented argument or claim must use solid evidence and sound reasoning by stating facts, examples, and quotes. 

Persuasive Essay Example

Since persuasive essays are the most common type of essay, it is essential to get familiar with their writing style. For that, here is an interesting persuasive essay example that you can explore for your better understanding. 

Read our persuasive essay examples blog for more samples!

Analytical Essay

An analytical essay is a type of academic essay in which the writer analyzes a topic bit by bit. Writing an analytical essay is not about convincing readers of your point of view. But wanting readers to agree with what you have written. 

So, there is no need to use strong persuasive language in an analytical essay. Rather you should aim to provide enough analysis to make sure your argument is clear to the readers. 

Analytical Essay Example

Let’s take a look at a sample analytical essay: 

Read our analytical essay examples blog if you are looking for more sample essays!

Reflective Essay

A reflective essay type of essay requires you to examine your personal experiences through self-reflection. In the process of writing a reflective essay, you provide insight into what you have gained from those experiences. 

What makes reflective essays different from other essay types is the fact that it examine the past experience from the present. Reflective essays take the reader through a journey of self-growth. 

Reflective Essay Example

The following reflective essay example will help you get a clear idea of how to structure your analytical essay. 

Rhetorical Analysis Essay

It is a form of a textual analysis essay in which the student examines and analyzes a persuasive text. It is like an essay, speech, or visual art and analyzes the rhetorical devices used in it. Writing a rhetorical analysis essay is different from writing other essays because it will be more than adding facts only.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

Here is a rhetorical analysis essay example that will help you learn better. 

Check out our rhetorical analysis essay examples blog for more samples!

Literary Analysis Essay

A literary analysis essay is based on close reading and analysis of a work of literature like poetry and novel. It identifies different literary factors like themes, setting,  characters, setting, and the kind of language used in it. A literary analysis essay has the same 5 paragraphs as any other essay but the main subject and topic are different.

Literary Analysis Essay Example

Need help with your literary analysis essay? Below is a sample essay to help you understand better.

Summing it Up! Now you know what are the different types of essays in academic writing that you are most likely to get assigned. However, if you still find it difficult to compose your essay, leave your piece of writing to our experts. 

Whether you need an argumentative essay, narrative essay,  descriptive essay, or expository essay we are here to help. Our expertise extends to all types of essays, ensuring that your academic writing needs are met with precision and excellence.

Request essay help today and let our experts assist you in writing A+ grade essays within your specified timeline! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important element in any essay.

A thesis statement is the most important part of any essay. Other than the research itself, the thesis statement is the most important part of an essay or research paper. A thesis statement summarizes the main point and essence of the argument.

What type of essay is most common at university?

Usually, university students get argumentative kinds of essays. No matter what kind of essay you write, you will need to develop an argument.

Here are some kinds of essays and the kind of arguments added to them. 

• Analysis and interpretation of literary texts are discussed in literary analysis essays. 
• The importance of a particular event or theory is analyzed in a history argumentative essay. 
• A political theory is examined in a political argumentative essay. 

Besides, there are a number of different kinds of argumentative and analysis essays.

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Keep reading

Academic Essay Writing Made Simple: 4 types and tips

The pen is mightier than the sword, they say, and nowhere is this more evident than in academia. From the quick scribbles of eager students to the inquisitive thoughts of renowned scholars, academic essays depict the power of the written word. These well-crafted writings propel ideas forward and expand the existing boundaries of human intellect.

What is an Academic Essay

An academic essay is a nonfictional piece of writing that analyzes and evaluates an argument around a specific topic or research question. It serves as a medium to share the author’s views and is also used by institutions to assess the critical thinking, research skills, and writing abilities of a students and researchers.  

Importance of Academic Essays

4 main types of academic essays.

While academic essays may vary in length, style, and purpose, they generally fall into four main categories. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal: to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.

1. Expository Essay

2. Descriptive Essay

3. Narrative Essay

4. Argumentative Essay

Expository and persuasive essays mainly deal with facts to explain ideas clearly. Narrative and descriptive essays are informal and have a creative edge. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal ― to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.

Expository Essays: Illuminating ideas

An expository essay is a type of academic writing that explains, illustrates, or clarifies a particular subject or idea. Its primary purpose is to inform the reader by presenting a comprehensive and objective analysis of a topic.

By breaking down complex topics into digestible pieces and providing relevant examples and explanations, expository essays allow writers to share their knowledge.

What are the Key Features of an Expository Essay

Provides factual information without bias

Presents multiple viewpoints while maintaining objectivity

Uses direct and concise language to ensure clarity for the reader

Composed of a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion

When is an expository essay written.

1. For academic assignments to evaluate the understanding of research skills.

2. As instructional content to provide step-by-step guidance for tasks or problem-solving.

3. In journalism for objective reporting in news or investigative pieces.

4. As a form of communication in the professional field to convey factual information in business or healthcare.

How to Write an Expository Essay

Expository essays are typically structured in a logical and organized manner.

1. Topic Selection and Research

• Choose a topic that can be explored objectively
• Gather relevant facts and information from credible sources
• Develop a clear thesis statement

2. Outline and Structure

• Create an outline with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
• Introduce the topic and state the thesis in the introduction
• Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific point supporting the thesis
• Use transitions to maintain a logical flow

3. Objective and Informative Writing

• Maintain an impartial and informative tone
• Avoid personal opinions or biases
• Support points with factual evidence, examples, and explanations

4. Conclusion

• Summarize the key points
• Reinforce the significance of the thesis

Descriptive Essays: Painting with words

Descriptive essays transport readers into vivid scenes, allowing them to experience the world through the writer ‘s lens. These essays use rich sensory details, metaphors, and figurative language to create a vivid and immersive experience . Its primary purpose is to engage readers’ senses and imagination.

It allows writers to demonstrate their ability to observe and describe subjects with precision and creativity.

What are the Key Features of Descriptive Essay

Employs figurative language and imagery to paint a vivid picture for the reader

Demonstrates creativity and expressiveness in narration

Includes close attention to detail, engaging the reader’s senses

Engages the reader’s imagination and emotions through immersive storytelling using analogies, metaphors, similes, etc.

When is a descriptive essay written.

1. Personal narratives or memoirs that describe significant events, people, or places.

2. Travel writing to capture the essence of a destination or experience.

3. Character sketches in fiction writing to introduce and describe characters.

4. Poetry or literary analyses to explore the use of descriptive language and imagery.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

The descriptive essay lacks a defined structural requirement but typically includes: an introduction introducing the subject, a thorough description, and a concluding summary with insightful reflection.

1. Subject Selection and Observation

• Choose a subject (person, place, object, or experience) to describe
• Gather sensory details and observations

2. Engaging Introduction

• Set the scene and provide the context
• Use of descriptive language and figurative techniques

3. Descriptive Body Paragraphs

• Focus on specific aspects or details of the subject
• Engage the reader ’s senses with vivid imagery and descriptions
• Maintain a consistent tone and viewpoint

4. Impactful Conclusion

• Provide a final impression or insight
• Leave a lasting impact on the reader

Narrative Essays: Storytelling in Action

Narrative essays are personal accounts that tell a story, often drawing from the writer’s own experiences or observations. These essays rely on a well-structured plot, character development, and vivid descriptions to engage readers and convey a deeper meaning or lesson.

What are the Key features of Narrative Essays

Written from a first-person perspective and hence subjective

Based on real personal experiences

Uses an informal and expressive tone

Presents events and characters in sequential order

When is a narrative essay written.

It is commonly assigned in high school and college writing courses to assess a student’s ability to convey a meaningful message or lesson through a personal narrative. They are written in situations where a personal experience or story needs to be recounted, such as:

1. Reflective essays on significant life events or personal growth.

2. Autobiographical writing to share one’s life story or experiences.

3. Creative writing exercises to practice narrative techniques and character development.

4. College application essays to showcase personal qualities and experiences.

How to Write a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays typically follow a chronological structure, with an introduction that sets the scene, a body that develops the plot and characters, and a conclusion that provides a sense of resolution or lesson learned.

1. Experience Selection and Reflection

• Choose a significant personal experience or event
• Reflect on the impact and deeper meaning

2. Immersive Introduction

• Introduce characters and establish the tone and point of view

3. Plotline and Character Development

• Advance   the  plot and character development through body paragraphs
• Incorporate dialog , conflict, and resolution
• Maintain a logical and chronological flow

4. Insightful Conclusion

• Reflect on lessons learned or insights gained
• Leave the reader with a lasting impression

Argumentative Essays: Persuasion and Critical Thinking

Argumentative essays are the quintessential form of academic writing in which writers present a clear thesis and support it with well-researched evidence and logical reasoning. These essays require a deep understanding of the topic, critical analysis of multiple perspectives, and the ability to construct a compelling argument.

What are the Key Features of an Argumentative Essay?

Logical and well-structured arguments

Credible and relevant evidence from reputable sources

Consideration and refutation of counterarguments

Critical analysis and evaluation of the issue 

When is an argumentative essay written.

Argumentative essays are written to present a clear argument or stance on a particular issue or topic. In academic settings they are used to develop critical thinking, research, and persuasive writing skills. However, argumentative essays can also be written in various other contexts, such as:

1. Opinion pieces or editorials in newspapers, magazines, or online publications.

2. Policy proposals or position papers in government, nonprofit, or advocacy settings.

3. Persuasive speeches or debates in academic, professional, or competitive environments.

4. Marketing or advertising materials to promote a product, service, or idea.

How to write an Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays begin with an introduction that states the thesis and provides context. The body paragraphs develop the argument with evidence, address counterarguments, and use logical reasoning. The conclusion restates the main argument and makes a final persuasive appeal.

• Choose a debatable and controversial issue
• Conduct thorough research and gather evidence and counterarguments

2. Thesis and Introduction

• Craft a clear and concise thesis statement
• Provide background information and establish importance

3. Structured Body Paragraphs

• Focus each paragraph on a specific aspect of the argument
• Support with logical reasoning, factual evidence, and refutation

4. Persuasive Techniques

• Adopt a formal and objective tone
• Use persuasive techniques (rhetorical questions, analogies, appeals)

5. Impactful Conclusion

• Summarize the main points
• Leave the reader with a strong final impression and call to action

To learn more about argumentative essay, check out this article .

5 Quick Tips for Researchers to Improve Academic Essay Writing Skills

Use clear and concise language to convey ideas effectively without unnecessary words

Use well-researched, credible sources to substantiate your arguments with data, expert opinions, and scholarly references

Ensure a coherent structure with effective transitions, clear topic sentences, and a logical flow to enhance readability 

To elevate your academic essay, consider submitting your draft to a community-based platform like Open Platform  for editorial review 

Review your work multiple times for clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic guidelines to ensure a polished final product

By mastering the art of academic essay writing, researchers and scholars can effectively communicate their ideas, contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and engage in meaningful scholarly discourse.

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What Is a Capstone Project vs. Thesis

As students near the end of their academic journey, they encounter a crucial project called the capstone – a culmination of all they've learned. But what exactly is a capstone project? 

This article aims to demystify capstone projects, explaining what they are, why they matter, and what you can expect when you embark on this final academic endeavor.

Capstone Project Meaning

A capstone project is a comprehensive, culminating academic endeavor undertaken by students typically in their final year of study. 

It synthesizes their learning experiences, requiring students to apply the knowledge, skills, and competencies gained throughout their academic journey. A capstone project aims to address a real-world problem or explore a topic of interest in depth. 

As interdisciplinary papers, capstone projects encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. They allow students to showcase their mastery of their field of study and demonstrate their readiness for future academic or professional pursuits.

Now that we’ve defined what is a capstone project, let’s discuss its importance in the academic landscape. In case you have short-form compositions to handle, simply say, ‘ do my essay for me ,’ and our writers will take care of your workload.

Why Is a Capstone Project Important

A capstone project is crucial because it allows students to combine everything they've learned in school and apply it to real-life situations or big problems. 

It's like the ultimate test of what they know and can do. By working on these projects, students get hands-on experience, learn to think critically and figure out how to solve tough problems. 

Plus, it's a chance to show off their skills and prove they're ready for whatever comes next, whether that's starting a career or going on to more schooling.

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What Is the Purpose of a Capstone Project

Here are three key purposes of a capstone project:

Integration of Knowledge and Skills

Capstones often require students to draw upon the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their academic program. The importance of capstone project lies in helping students synthesize what they have learned and apply it to a real-world problem or project. 

This integration helps students demonstrate their proficiency and readiness for graduation or entry into their chosen profession.

Culmination of Learning

Capstone projects culminate a student's academic journey, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. 

tackling a significant project or problem, students demonstrate their understanding of concepts and their ability to translate them into practical solutions, reinforcing their learning journey.

Professional Development

Capstone projects allow students to develop skills relevant to their future careers. These projects can also be tangible examples of their capabilities to potential employers or graduate programs.

Whether it's conducting research, presenting findings, or collaborating with peers, students gain valuable experience that enhances their professional readiness. 

Types of Capstone Projects

Capstones vary widely depending on the academic discipline, institution, and specific program requirements. Here are some common types:

What Is the Difference Between a Thesis and a Capstone Project

Here's a breakdown of the key differences between a thesis and a capstone project:

How to Write a Capstone Project

Let's dive into the specifics with actionable and meaningful steps for writing a capstone project:

1. Select a Pertinent Topic

Identify a topic that aligns with your academic interests, program requirements, and real-world relevance. Consider issues or challenges within your field that merit further exploration or solution. 

Conduct thorough research to ensure the topic is both feasible and significant. Here are some brilliant capstone ideas for your inspiration.

2. Define Clear Objectives

Clearly articulate the objectives of your capstone project. What specific outcomes do you aim to achieve? 

Whether it's solving a problem, answering a research question, or developing a product, ensure your objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

3. Conduct Comprehensive Research

Dive deep into existing literature, theories, and empirical evidence related to your chosen topic. Identify gaps, controversies, or areas for further investigation. 

Synthesize relevant findings and insights to inform the development of your project and provide a solid foundation for your analysis or implementation.

4. Develop a Structured Plan

What is a capstone project in college without a rigid structure? Outline a comprehensive plan for your capstone project, including key milestones, tasks, and deadlines. 

Break down the project into manageable phases, such as literature review, data collection, analysis, and presentation. Establish clear criteria for success and regularly monitor progress to stay on track.

5. Implement Methodological Rigor

If your project involves research, ensure methodological rigor by selecting appropriate research methods, tools, and techniques. 

Develop a detailed research design or project plan that addresses key methodological considerations, such as sampling, data collection, analysis, and validity. Adhere to ethical guidelines and best practices throughout the research process.

6. Analyze and Interpret Findings

Analyze your data or findings using appropriate analytical techniques and tools. Interpret the results in relation to your research questions or objectives, highlighting key patterns, trends, or insights. 

Critically evaluate the significance and implications of your findings within the broader context of your field or industry.

7. Communicate Effectively

Present your capstone project clearly, concisely, and compellingly. Whether it's a written report, presentation, or multimedia deliverable, tailor your communication style to your target audience. Clearly articulate your research questions, methodology, findings, and conclusions. 

Use visuals, examples, and real-world applications to enhance understanding and engagement. Be prepared to defend your project and answer questions from peers, faculty, or stakeholders.

In wrapping up, what is a capstone project? It’s like the grand finale of your academic journey, where all the knowledge and skills you've acquired come together in one big project. 

It's not just about passing a test or getting a grade – it's about proving you've got what it takes to make a real difference in the world. So, if you ever need capstone project help , our writers will gladly lend you a hand in no time.

Due Date Is Just Around the Corner?

Streamline the writing progress with our expert service!

What Is a Capstone Project in College?

How to do a capstone project, how long does a capstone project take to complete.

Annie Lambert

specializes in creating authoritative content on marketing, business, and finance, with a versatile ability to handle any essay type and dissertations. With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a passion for social issues, her writing not only educates but also inspires action. On EssayPro blog, Annie delivers detailed guides and thought-provoking discussions on pressing economic and social topics. When not writing, she’s a guest speaker at various business seminars.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• T. (2023, June 16). What Is a Capstone Project? National University. https://www.nu.edu/blog/what-is-a-capstone-project/
• Lukins, S. (2024, May 12). What is a capstone project? And why is it important? Top Universities. https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/careers-advice-articles/what-capstone-project-why-it-important
• Capstone Project vs. Thesis: What’s the Difference? (2021, December 9). UAGC. https://www.uagc.edu/blog/capstone-project-vs-thesis-whats-difference

Related Articles

Fall 2025 UGA Essay Questions

  david graves        may 22nd, 2024 in blog.

For First Year students applying to UGA for Fall 2025, we will keep the same longer personal essay (250-650 words) as before, using the essay prompts from the Common App . The shorter UGA specific essay (200-300 words suggested) topic will also remain the same as last year, with the following essay prompt:

“ The transition from middle to high school is a key time for students as they reach new levels of both academic and personal discovery. Please share a book (novel, non-fiction, etc.) that had a serious impact on you during this time. Please focus more on why this book made an impact on you and less on the plot/theme of the book itself (we are not looking for a book report).”

• FYI – We are not restricting you to the exact years of 8th-9th grades, but rather the general timeframe of the middle to high school transition, which can extend somewhat further than one year on each end. Feel free to use your discretion in your choice of the timeline focused on the shift to your high school years.

As always, we also share an essay from an enrolling First-Year student that we believe shows great writing skills:

As a middle-schooler on the brink of entering high school, I was like lost cattle entering a vast social and academic wilderness. In the center, a winding, sun-soaked desert path stretched far into the horizon, beckoning my gaze with its promise of adventure and discovery. Enter The Alchemist and its magnificent idea of the “Personal Legend”– a life goal so lofty that it made locating my locker on the first day of high school appear easy. Forget about the difficulty of making new hobbies or friends; the content from this novel sure played an essential role in determining my ideology related to pursuing my future.

The protagonist enthusiastically praised the significance of believing in one’s dreams, which led my younger self down the correct path. Generating profits after extensive hours of work through my business, navigating changes in learning after COVID-19, and confronting adversity due to my darker skin color all presented difficult periods where persistence and faith were important in progress. Although self-belief was a crucial aspect of pushing through difficult times, it also motivated me to be more confident. Taking risks, from soloing in my 8th-grade jazz band to giving my crush a cringeworthy love letter, changed my belief in embracing adversity.

Furthermore, the book’s emphasis on interacting with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems mirrors my journey into the real world. Whether developing a dancing board at a Purdue summer camp or a calculus Halloween graph, collaboration enforces the ability to work with others who may share different ideas. Diverse backgrounds boosted my understanding, tolerance, and empathy while increasing my engineering career readiness. Not only was The Alchemist a great book, but it enforced critical systems that I use until this day to succeed in life. The Alchemist played an essential role in instilling new concepts I needed as an adolescent. “And when you want something, all the universe conspires you to achieve it.” Thank you, Paulo Coelho.  – Josh W, Collins Hill HS.

• This essay gives us insight into the student’s feelings and thoughts, and he shares his ideas through descriptive word choice. This is an excellent essay, but please know that we are not expecting this level of writing from the applicant pool overall. This essay example is meant to show our applicant pool how to express themselves through examples, personal growth and emotion. When we are reviewing essays, we are looking more at the student’s voice coming through and less on technical writing skills.

Tags: admissions , essays , file reading , freshman admission

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Recent Most Popular 100+ IELTS Essay Topics of 2024

The one-hour writing portion of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) consists of two tasks, task 1 and task 2, which evaluate your vocabulary, grammar, word count, collocations, and capacity to create complicated sentences sparingly and effectively.

It is crucial to realise that the IELTS Academic and General Training Tasks have different essay subjects. IELTS Academic Task 1 requires you to create a report using a graph, diagram, or chart; in contrast, IELTS General Training Task 1 requires you to write a letter. Essay writing is the second task in both the General and Academic modules. Although the themes for essays in each module may vary, the approach to producing essays is always the same.

To determine the Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 scores, examiners consider the following factors: Task Achievement, Task Response, Coherence, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Lexical Resource.

Table of Content

Latest IELTS Essay Topics for 2024

Environment, personality, global consumerism and business., essay types for ielts, opinions essay, discussion essays, advantages and disadvantages question essays, direct questions essays, ielts writing task 2 preparation tips, how should the ielts writing section task 2 essays be answered, first, read and comprehend the question, arrange the answer, write a strong introduction in step three, carefully select the primary content.

Most IELTS essay topics center around current affairs and global events. The following listicles contain some IELTS essay writing topics. Additionally, practicing the sample essay questions is one of the best strategies to get ready to answer essays in the IELTS Writing section. Below are the topic categories and essay writing examples to assist students searching for the newest IELTS essay topics:

Students searching for the newest IELTS essay themes can find assistance with the following topic categories and essay writing samples:

Environmental Crisis: One of the most often asked IELTS topics is the environment essay (band 9). But since this is one of the most specialized topics and might cost you points, many students don’t think they need to prepare for it.

Global Warming: Questions about general conversation subjects like deforestation, global warming, the greenhouse effect, and climate change are frequently included in the speaking and writing areas of the IELTS exam.

Sustainable Energy: Writing an essay might be a difficult chore if you are not familiar with its structure and topics. Each sentence needs to make sense and be constructed such that it conveys information and a clear picture. If you write your essay off-topic, you can lose points. Nuclear power and sustainable energy are contentious issues, therefore being knowledgeable about them will set you apart from your peers.

Fossil Fuels: The topics for IELTS essays in writing assignment 2 typically revolve around subjects that are commonly discussed in the everyday lives of applicants. The substitution of renewable energy sources for nonrenewable fuels is one such issue.

Hobbies: “Hobbies” appears frequently in both the Speaking and Writing Task 2 sections of the IELTS exam. Examinees should find this to be a straightforward, mark-fetching topic with minimal obstacles.

First impressions matter a lot in terms of personality as IELTS examiners read hundreds of essays every day and have limited attention spans. Therefore, it is crucial that you start your IELTS essay correctly and give a strong first impression.

Fashion : Often featuring worldwide themes, fashion is one of the best subjects to hone your public speaking abilities.

Education: The IELTS Essay on Education is one of the hardest assignments, with erratic questions throughout the test. Education: The Significance of Extracurricular Activities and School Values. Opinion-driven, these education essay topics—such as the value of leisure activities—evaluate students’ capacity to articulate their knowledge and abilities in a meaningful way.

Government and Society: If you’re planning to take the IELTS exam, you should familiarize yourself with as many topics that are common to Writing Task 2. Government and society is one such frequent IELTS exam theme that you should be familiar with.

Ideal Society: To strengthen their writing and vocabulary skills and raise their overall band score, applicants should practice answering sample questions and practicing essay responses for the Ideal Society IELTS essay.

IELTS writing task 2 frequently features essays on social media. Keeping the word count within reason and being aware of several approaches to the topic are the easiest ways to tackle a social media IELTS essay band 9 or related topic.

Worldwide Trade: The IELTS exam has included global business as one of its themes over the years. In order to properly respond to a question on such a topic, your response must include all relevant details, arguments, justifications, opinions, and supporting proof.

The functions of management and leadership are crucial in any organization. You should always write an essay that answers the query while writing on such subjects.

Language Barriers and Foreign Culture : IELTS Writing Task 2 frequently addresses the themes of foreign languages and culture. Share your thoughts on these subjects.

Sports and kids: Sports are a recurrent motif throughout the essay, and the text should never stray from the major ideas.

Health Obesity: In IELTS writing task 2, essays about overweight people are frequently assigned. Overweight may also be discussed in relation to obesity, current trends in children’s and adults’ health, and other related subjects.

The themes for IELTS essays are typically divided into different sections.

Any of the following essay types may be seen on the IELTS exam:

You are required to provide your thoughts on the assigned topic in this essay genre. Naturally, having prior knowledge of frequent topics that are popular in the IELTS exam is the ideal method to score highly in such essays.

Examples of Questions

• Nowadays, most teenagers have a smartphone. Give your thoughts so that we may talk about the benefits and drawbacks.
• In recent years, crime novels and TV shows have gained a lot of popularity. What thoughts do you have regarding these criminal dramas?
• Developing countries frequently need aid from other countries. While some think that guidance and practical support would be more helpful, many feel that financial assistance should be provided. Talk about your thoughts on both of these points of view.
• While some people think industries are to blame, many people think cars are the main source of pollution in cities. Describe the opposing viewpoints and offer your own.
• A common belief is that the government ought to provide financial assistance to those who engage in the arts. Others think they should look for different sources. Give your thoughts and discuss each point of view.
• Some people think that perseverance, commitment, and drive are the keys to success in life. Many people, however, think that other crucial elements, such as wealth and good looks, determine success. Give your thoughts and discuss the two points of view.
• Government funding of programs aimed at finding extraterrestrial life is a popular belief. But some think that governments ought to concentrate on global problems that still need to be solved. Talk about both points of view and offer your own.

In the context of discussion essays, candidates must present arguments in favor of or against each issue. These are the most typical essays that can be seen on the IELTS exam.

• Many people think that living in a large city has more benefits than living in a rural area. Do you think this is correct or incorrect?
• More than any other element, an individual’s age group determines their shopping behavior. Do you think this is correct or incorrect?
• In industrialized nations, the number of overweight children and adolescents is rising. For most developed nations, this is a serious issue. Describe this issue’s causes and effects.
• One fantastic invention that benefits everyone on the planet is the internet. However, there are a number of problems with regard to personal data control and security. Do you think this is correct or incorrect?
• People who are exposed to advertising are less likely to be creative and more likely to act and appear alike. Do you think this is correct or incorrect?
• Many times these days, parents plan extra classes for the weekends or even after school. Do you think this is even remotely helpful? Or are you of the opinion that the education offered in schools suffices?
• There are others who think that abolishing the death penalty is a good idea. Do you think this is correct or incorrect?

Students are required to discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of a certain topic in this kind of essay. These essays assess your ability to create arguments and how well you can express yourself in English so that your opinions are as clear and consistent as possible.

• Many places have benefited immensely from international tourism. Significant worries have been raised, though, regarding how it may affect the local population and ecology. Are there more drawbacks to foreign travel than advantages?
• Recently, legislation restricting employees’ daily working hours have been passed in some countries. Describe the impact that this will have, if any, positive or negative.

The themes for this kind of essay will be given to the students as direct questions, to which they must respond with their own ideas and experiences.

• In the past, going shopping was a common household chore. Today, though, it’s more of a pastime. Does this pattern seem promising?

Since they can communicate in English really well, many students think they don’t need to prepare much. It’s true that the IELTS test is difficult. Actually, the test could be challenging for native English speakers as well. Candidates should thus begin their preparation for this portion as soon as possible and should follow a strict and thorough approach.

• Start studying for the IELTS at least six months in advance of the date you plan to take the test, and be sure to dedicate some time each day to each of the four components.
• For both writing tasks—especially writing task 2—select writing themes and make an effort to write about them every day. Keep an eye on the clock; you have one hour to finish both assignments.
• Allocate a substantial amount of time to acquire new words and review grammar. Structured thinking comes next, which enables you to express your ideas in a logical manner. Keep clarity, rationality, and lucidity in mind when you write.
• Since any topic could be included in the second IELTS writing task, you should broaden your ideas. Examine all available materials, including books, magazines, and internet resources, to increase your vocabulary and level of understanding. Moreover, practice as many mock.

To successfully improve their essay-writing skills in the Writing portion, students might use the following strategies:

To succeed in assignment 2 essays, you must first thoroughly read and comprehend the question. Candidates typically respond to the question without fully comprehending what is asked of them. It is important for candidates to thoroughly examine the question, determine its type, and attempt to pinpoint its keywords. Lastly, before attempting to respond, they should comprehend the instructions completely.

Students must organize the format of their answers after they have a firm understanding of the question. This will enable candidates to arrange their thoughts and create a concise and coherent response.

The essay’s opening should provide a summary of the main points of the paper. Make sure your opening effectively summarizes the main points of the essay.

The crucial section of the essay is the main body, where you have to include all the information that is required. Make sure to support your ideas with relevant information, examples, and explanations. After finishing, a suitable conclusion must be provided

Also Read: IELTS Exam: 8 Weeks Study Plan IELTS Writing Task 2: Format, Sample, Tips IELTS Academic vs General Tests – What’s the Difference? IELTS Eligibility 2024: Check Minimum Age Limit, Qualification & Score Required

IELTS Essay Topics- FAQs

What is the best way to do well in ielts writing task 2.

Task Response, Cohesion & Coherence, Lexical Resource, and lastly Grammatical range and accuracy are the four primary performance criteria for IELTS Writing Task 2. Make sure you adhere to these four standards when preparing by using appropriate reference materials and practice questions.

Which are the most often requested questions in IELTS Writing Task 2?

In IELTS Writing Task 2, there are various question categories to choose from, such as: Problem/Causes, Opinion, Advantage/Disadvantage, and Discussion of Views.

Which major themes underlie the questions in IELTS Writing Task 2?

A few of the overarching topics are Crime & Punishment, Art, Business, Environment, Food, Health, and more. For question framing, concepts and subjects are grouped under these major themes.

Does the IELTS Writing component require the usage of complicated words?

A further benefit is having a strong vocabulary. However, it’s not appropriate to firmly insert challenging words into phrases. Your phrases should flow naturally and be appropriate for the meaning and situation you’re in.

How can one generate concepts for IELTS Writing Task 2 (2024)?

To come up with ideas for IELTS Writing Task 2, the simplest methods are to look at sample essays, search for ideas on Google, speak with experts, watch movies, ask yourself some questions about the subject, and come up with primary concepts from particular examples.

In IELTS Writing Task 2, how many errors are permitted?

If you write a strong essay overall, the examiner will ignore one or two faults. Nevertheless, committing more errors than that could result in a worse IELTS band score.

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26 Types of Punctuation Marks & Typographical Symbols

• What Is Punctuation?
• What Is A Typographical Symbol?
• Punctuation Vs. Typographical Symbols
• Types Of Punctuation And Symbols
• Try Grammar Coach

We use words in writing. Shocking, I know! Do you know what else we use in writing? Here is a hint: they have already appeared in this paragraph. In addition to words, we use many different symbols and characters to organize our thoughts and make text easier to read. All of these symbols come in two major categories: punctuation marks and typographical symbols . These symbols have many different uses and include everything from the humble period ( . ) to the rarely used caret symbol ( ^ ). There may even be a few symbols out there that you’ve never even heard of before that leave you scratching your head when you see them on your keyboard!

What is punctuation ?

Punctuation is the act or system of using specific marks or symbols in writing to separate different elements from each other or to make writing more clear. Punctuation is used in English and the other languages that use the Latin alphabet. Many other writing systems also use punctuation, too. Thanks to punctuation, we don’t have to suffer through a block of text that looks like this:

• My favorite color is red do you like red red is great my sister likes green she always says green is the color of champions regardless of which color is better we both agree that no one likes salmon which is a fish and not a color seriously

Punctuation examples

The following sentences give examples of the many different punctuation marks that we use:

• My dog , Bark Scruffalo , was featured in a superhero movie . 
• If there ’ s something strange in your neighborhood , who are you going to call ?
• A wise man once said , “ Within the body of every person lies a skeleton .”
• Hooray ! I found everything on the map : the lake , the mountain , and the forest . 
• I told Ashley ( if that was her real name ) that I needed the copy lickety-split .

What is a typographical symbol ?

The term typographical symbol , or any other number of phrases, refers to a character or symbol that isn’t considered to be a punctuation mark but may still be used in writing for various purposes. Typographical symbols are generally avoided in formal writing under most circumstances. However, you may see typographic symbols used quite a bit in informal writing.

Typographical symbol examples

The following examples show some ways that a writer might use typographical symbols. Keep in mind that some of these sentences may not be considered appropriate in formal writing.

• The frustrated actor said she was tired of her co-star’s “annoying bull **** .”
• For questions, email us at anascabana @ bananacabanas.fake!
• The band had five # 1 singles on the American music charts during the 1990s.
• My internet provider is AT & T.

⚡️ Punctuation vs. typographical symbols

Punctuation marks are considered part of grammar and often have well-established rules for how to use them properly. For example, the rules of proper grammar state that a letter after a period should be capitalized and that a comma must be used before a coordinating conjunction.

Typographical symbols, on the other hand, may not have widely accepted rules for how, or even when, they should be used. Generally speaking, most grammar resources will only allow the use of typographical symbols under very specific circumstances and will otherwise advise a writer to avoid using them.

Types of punctuation and symbols

There are many different types of punctuation marks and typographical symbols. We’ll briefly touch on them now, but you can learn more about these characters by checking out the links in this list and also each section below:

• Question mark
• Exclamation point
• Parentheses
• Square brackets
• Curly brackets
• Angle brackets
• Quotation marks
• Bullet point
• Pound symbol
• Caret symbol
• Pipe symbol

Period, question mark, and exclamation point

These three commonly used punctuation marks are used for the same reason: to end an independent thought.

A period is used to end a declarative sentence . A period indicates that a sentence is finished.

• Today is Friday .

Unique to them, periods are also often used in abbreviations.

• Prof . Dumbledore once again awarded a ludicrous amount of points to Gryffindor.

Question mark (?)

The question mark is used to end a question, also known as an interrogative sentence .

• Do you feel lucky ?

Exclamation point (!)

The exclamation point is used at the end of exclamations and interjections .

• Our house is haunted ! 

Comma, colon, and semicolon

Commas, colons, and semicolons can all be used to connect sentences together.

The comma is often the punctuation mark that gives writers the most problems. It has many different uses and often requires good knowledge of grammar to avoid making mistakes when using it. Some common uses of the comma include:

• Joining clauses: Mario loves Peach , and she loves him . 
• Nonrestrictive elements: My favorite team , the Fighting Mongooses , won the championship this year.
• Lists: The flag was red , white , and blue.
• Coordinate adjectives: The cute , happy puppy licked my hand.

Try out this quiz on the Oxford comma!

The colon is typically used to introduce additional information.

• The detective had three suspects : the salesman, the gardener, and the lawyer.

Like commas, colons can also connect clauses together.

• We forgot to ask the most important question : who was buying lunch?

Colons have a few other uses, too.

• The meeting starts at 8:15 p.m.
• The priest started reading from Mark 3:6 .

Semicolon (;)

Like the comma and the colon, the semicolon is used to connect sentences together. The semicolon typically indicates that the second sentence is closely related to the one before it.

• I can’t eat peanuts ; I am highly allergic to them.
• Lucy loves to eat all kinds of sweets ; lollipops are her favorite.

Hyphen and dashes (en dash and em dash)

All three of these punctuation marks are often referred to as “dashes.” However, they are all used for entirely different reasons.

The hyphen is used to form compound words.

• I went to lunch with my father-in-law .
• She was playing with a jack-in-the-box .
• He was accused of having pro-British sympathies.

En dash (–)

The en dash is used to express ranges or is sometimes used in more complex compound words.

• The homework exercises are on pages 20–27 .
• The songwriter had worked on many Tony Award–winning productions.

Em dash (—)

The em dash is used to indicate a pause or interrupted speech.

• The thief was someone nobody expected —me !
• “Those kids will— ” was all he managed to say before he was hit by a water balloon.

Test your knowledge on the different dashes here.

Parentheses, brackets, and braces

These pairs of punctuation marks look similar, but they all have different uses. In general, the parentheses are much more commonly used than the others.

Parentheses ()

Typically, parentheses are used to add additional information.

• I thought (for a very long time) if I should actually give an honest answer.
• Tomorrow is Christmas (my favorite holiday) !

Parentheses have a variety of other uses, too.

• Pollution increased significantly. (See Chart 14B)
• He was at an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting.
• Richard I of England (1157–1199) had the heart of a lion.

Square brackets []

Typically, square brackets  are used to clarify or add information to quotations.

• According to an eyewitness, the chimpanzees “climbed on the roof and juggled [bananas] .”
• The judge said that “the defense attorney [Mr. Wright] had made it clear that the case was far from closed.”

Curly brackets {}

Curly brackets , also known as braces , are rarely used punctuation marks that are used to group a set.

• I was impressed by the many different colors {red, green, yellow, blue, purple, black, white} they selected for the flag’s design.

Angle brackets <>

Angle brackets have no usage in formal writing and are rarely ever used even in informal writing. These characters have more uses in other fields, such as math or computing.

Quotation marks and apostrophe

You’ll find these punctuation marks hanging out at the top of a line of text.

Quotation marks (“”)

The most common use of quotation marks is to contain quotations.

• She said, “ Don’t let the dog out of the house. ”
• Bob Ross liked to put “ happy little trees ” in many of his paintings.

Apostrophe (‘)

The apostrophe is most often used to form possessives and contractions.

• The house ’ s back door is open.
• My cousin ’ s birthday is next week.
• It isn ’ t ready yet.
• We should ’ ve stayed outside.

Slash and ellipses

These are two punctuation marks you may not see too often, but they are still useful.

The slash has several different uses. Here are some examples:

• Relationships: The existence of boxer briefs somehow hasn’t ended the boxers/briefs debate.
• Alternatives: They accept cash and/or credit.
• Fractions: After an hour, 2/3 of the audience had already left.

Ellipses (…)

In formal writing, ellipses are used to indicate that words were removed from a quote.

• The mayor said, “The damages will be … paid for by the city … as soon as possible.”

In informal writing, ellipses are often used to indicate pauses or speech that trails off.

• He nervously stammered and said, “Look, I … You see … I wasn’t … Forget it, okay.”

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Typographical symbols

Typographical symbols rarely appear in formal writing. You are much more likely to see them used for a variety of reasons in informal writing.

Asterisk (*)

In formal writing, especially academic and scientific writing, the asterisk is used to indicate a footnote.

• Chocolate is the preferred flavor of ice cream.* * According to survey data from the Ice Cream Data Center.

The asterisk may also be used to direct a reader toward a clarification or may be used to censor inappropriate words or phrases.

Ampersand (&)

The ampersand substitutes for the word and . Besides its use in the official names of things, the ampersand is typically avoided in formal writing.

•  The band gave a speech at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame .

Bullet Point (•)

Bullet points are used to create lists. For example,

For this recipe you will need:

• baking powder

Pound symbol (#)

Informally, the pound symbol is typically used to mean number or is used in social media hashtags.

• The catchy pop song reached #1 on the charts.
• Ready 4 Halloween 2morrow!!! #spooky #TrickorTreat

Besides being used as an accent mark in Spanish and Portuguese words, the tilde is rarely used. Informally, a person may use it to mean “about” or “approximately.”

• We visited São Paulo during our vacation.
• I think my dog weighs ~20 pounds.

Backslash (\)

The backslash is primarily used in computer programming and coding. It might be used online and in texting to draw emoticons , but it has no other common uses in writing. Be careful not to mix it up with the similar forward slash (/), which is a punctuation mark.

At symbol (@)

The at symbol substitutes for the word at in informal writing. In formal writing, it is used when writing email addresses.

• His email address is [email protected] .

Caret symbol (^)

The caret symbol is used in proofreading, but may be used to indicate an exponent if a writer is unable to use superscript .

• Do you know what 3 ^ 4 (3 to the power of 4) is equal to?

Pipe symbol (|)

The pipe symbol is not used in writing. Instead, it has a variety of functions in the fields of math, physics, or computing.

How much do you know about verbs? Learn about them here.

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Morgan Spurlock, Documentarian Known for ‘Super Size Me,’ Dies at 53

His 2004 film followed Mr. Spurlock as he ate nothing but McDonald’s for a month. It was nominated for an Oscar, but it later came in for criticism.

By Clay Risen and Remy Tumin

Morgan Spurlock, a documentary filmmaker who gained fame with his Oscar-nominated 2004 film “ Super Size Me ,” which followed him as he ate nothing but McDonald’s for 30 days — but later stepped back from the public eye after admitting to sexual misconduct — died on Thursday in New York City. He was 53.

His brother Craig Spurlock said the cause was complications of cancer.

A self-described attention hound with a keen eye for the absurd, Mr. Spurlock was a playwright and television producer when he rocketed to global attention with “Super Size Me,” an early entry into the genre of gonzo participatory filmmaking that borrowed heavily from the confrontational style of Michael Moore and the up-close-and-personal influences of reality TV, which was then just emerging as a genre.

The film’s approach was straightforward: Mr. Spurlock would eat nothing but McDonald’s food for a month, and if a server at the restaurant offered to “supersize” the meal — that is, to give him the largest portion available for each item — he would accept.

The movie then follows Mr. Spurlock and his ever-patient girlfriend through his 30-day odyssey, splicing in interviews with health experts and visits to his increasingly disturbed physician. At the end of the month, he was 25 pounds heavier, depressed, puffy-faced and experiencing liver dysfunction.

The film, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, grossed over $22 million, made Mr. Spurlock a household name, earned him an Academy Award nomination for best documentary and helped spur a sweeping backlash against the fast-food industry — though only temporarily ; today, McDonald’s has 42,000 locations worldwide, its stock is near an all-time high, and 36 percent of Americans eat fast food on any given day.

“His movie,” the critic A.O. Scott wrote in The New York Times , “goes down easy and takes a while to digest, but its message is certainly worth the loss of your appetite.”

The film became a touchstone in American culture. By making himself a part of the story, Mr. Spurlock could be considered a forerunner of TikTok influencers and citizen-journalist YouTubers.

And even after the backlash against fast food subsided, “Super Size Me” remained a staple in high school health classes and a reference point for taking personal responsibility for one’s own diet.

But the film also came in for subsequent criticism. Some people pointed out that Mr. Spurlock refused to release the daily logs tracking his food intake. Health researchers were unable to replicate his results in controlled studies.

And in 2017, he admitted that he had not been sober for more than a week at a time in 30 years — meaning that, in addition to his “McDonald’s only” diet, he was drinking, a fact that he concealed from his doctors and the audience, and that most likely skewed his results.

The admission came in a statement in which he also revealed multiple incidents of sexual misconduct, including an encounter in college that he described as rape, as well as repeated infidelity and the sexual harassment of an assistant at his production company, Warrior Poets.

The statement, which Mr. Spurlock posted on Twitter in 2017, came as he was gearing up for the release of a sequel to the film, “ Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken! ” on YouTube Red.

He stepped down from his production company, and YouTube dropped the film; it was instead released in 2019 by Samuel Goldwyn Films.

Morgan Valentine Spurlock was born on Nov. 7, 1970, in Parkersburg, W.Va., and grew up in Beckley, W.Va. His father, Ben, owned and operated an auto-repair shop, and his mother, Phyllis (Valentine) Spurlock, was a junior high school and high school guidance counselor.

He later said he grew up as a fan of 1970s and ’80s British comedies like “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” and “Blackadder.”

“I was doing funny walks round the house at 6 or 7,” he told The Independent in 2012 .

He studied film at New York University and received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in 1993, then began his career as a production assistant on film projects around New York City, beginning with Luc Besson’s “Léon: The Professional” (1994).

He also began writing plays, including “The Phoenix,” which won an award at the 1999 New York International Fringe Festival.

Mr. Spurlock’s first foray onto the screen was a proto-reality show called “I Bet You Will,” which was also one of the first web-only programs. In five-minute segments, he would dare people to do something gross, or humiliating, or both — eating a “worm burrito,” for example — in exchange for a wad of cash.

The show drew millions of viewers, as well as the interest of MTV, which bought the program a few months after it debuted.

During a Thanksgiving visit to his parents in 2002, Mr. Spurlock saw a TV news story about two women who had sued McDonald’s, claiming that the chain had misled them about the nutritional value of its hamburgers, fries and sodas and caused them to gain significant weight.

“A spokesman for McDonald’s came on and said, you can’t link their obesity to our food — our food is healthy, it’s nutritious,” he told The New York Times in 2004 . “I thought, ‘If it’s so good for me, I should be able to eat it every day, right?’”

And thus, “Super Size Me” was born.

Mr. Spurlock took to fame eagerly, and, with his wide smile and handlebar mustache, was hard to miss. He became an unofficial spokesman for the wellness movement, hobnobbed with celebrity chefs — and scrambled to find a new project.

He did not want to lose the momentum generated by “Super Size Me,” nor did he want to go down in history only as the guy who ate a lot of Big Macs.

“I’ll be that guy till I die,” he told The Independent.

A follow-up film, “Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden?” (2008), was not nearly as well received. Critics assailed him for making light of an international terrorist and for oversimplifying complicated global politics. More bricks were thrown when it emerged that he had put himself at significant personal risk while in Pakistan while his wife was at home with their newborn son.

Eventually, he did get somewhat past the shadow of “Super Size Me”: He teamed up with the actors Jason Bateman and Will Arnett to explore the male grooming industry in “Mansome” (2012) and followed the band One Direction around, resulting in the film “One Direction: This Is Us” (2013).

He produced films by other documentarians, including “The Other F Word” (2011), directed by Andrea Blaugrund Nevins, about punk rockers who became fathers, and “A Brony Tale” (2014), directed by Brent Hodge, about the subculture known as Bronies — adults, mostly men, who love the animated series “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic.”

And he continued to make projects that leaned on the participatory style of “Super Size Me.” He created and starred in a series called “30 Days” for FX, in which a person, often Mr. Spurlock himself, would spend about a month embedded in a community much different from his own. One episode saw him spend 25 days in a Virginia jail.

Mr. Spurlock was married three times, to Priscilla Sommer, Alexandra Jamieson and Sara Bernstein; all three marriages ended in divorce. Along with his brother Craig, he is survived by another brother, Barry; his parents; and his sons, Laken and Kallen.

His decision to discuss his sexual past, which came at the height of the #Metoo movement, was met with a mix of praise and criticism. Though many people lauded him for coming forward, critics suggested that he was trying to get ahead of a story that was going to emerge anyway.

All agreed, though, that the decision came with consequences: “Career death,” The Washington Post declared it in 2022 , noting that the once-ubiquitous Mr. Spurlock had largely disappeared.

Clay Risen is a Times reporter on the Obituaries desk. More about Clay Risen

Remy Tumin is a reporter for The Times covering breaking news and other topics. More about Remy Tumin