What does the Task 2 question ask of me?
Separate the topic from the task you actually have to answer.
2 min read · Updated 9/8/2026
The key idea
In an essay you don't need to write everything you know about the topic. First find what the task asks of you: to give an opinion, to discuss two views, to give causes and solutions, or to answer two questions?
Split the question into two lines for yourself: what is the topic? What is the task? Build your plan on the second line.
In Academic Task 2 you write at least 250 words. But a long text does not make up for straying from the question.
See an example
Task: Some people believe university education should be free. Others think students should pay. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- Topic: who should pay the cost of university education.
- Task: to explain both views and give your own position.
A paragraph only about the benefits of university does not fully answer this task.
Now you try
Write the two questions you must answer in this task:
Many young adults move away from small towns. Why does this happen? What problems can it cause for these towns?
Is “What should the government do?” a separate requirement of this task?
A personal draft. It is not saved when you leave or automatically graded.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Answer and explanation
There are two requirements: why young people move away and what problems this creates for small towns.
Offering a solution is not asked for separately. You can answer the first question with related ideas such as job and education opportunities, and the second with ideas such as a falling number of workers and customers. These are sample ideas, not required arguments.
How do I make my position clear in an essay?
Official sources for this topic
IELTS · Writing