Tip 4 Identify Essay Type Let us continue with the next very important tip related o understanding the essay question, ~’ Exercise 4 1. Whatis the difference between the first two of the following essay tasks (A & B), ‘compared to the second two (C & D)? 2. How did you identify the difference? 3. How is the fifth essay task different? Sample Essay Tasks ‘A. The best way to reduce the number of traffic accidents is to make all young drivers complete a safe-driving education course before being licensed to drive. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? B. The threat of nuclear weapons undermines world peace, but nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy. Do the benefits of nuclear technology outweigh the disadvantages? C. A large number of deaths are caused by road accidents. Why do so many road accidents occur? Make recommendations that would help to reduce their number D. Moder life is very stressful. People have to manage their time and other resources very earefully Haw can they have less stress when they are so busy? E. Work is taking a more important role in people's lives. Why are people working so much? Do you think this trend is good or bad? The difference between the first two tasks compared to the second two is that the first two are argument, Argument tasks require us to argue a point of view, Question A is a statement which ‘we must agree or disagree with (or take a position in the middle), while Question B asks a direct yes/no question. Another example could be: ‘Do you think [X] is good or bad?” or “Do you agree or disagree?” 1"The second two tasks are discu ‘ion or discursive. These require us to discuss a topic (rather than take a position), They have question words such as Why” and “How’ (as in Essay Question C & D respectively) or direct requests, such as ‘Make recommendations’ (as in Essay Question C), ot ‘Give suggestions’. Be careful, since argument essays can sometimes use the word ‘discuss’. For example: ‘Smoking should be banned. Discuss thie iesue. Here we have a controversial statement, but there are no question words such as ‘what’ (would be the benefits?), or “How” (could this be done?), and there are no discussion instructions such as ‘explain’ the best way to enforce this, or ‘recommend’ methods to convince smokers to stop. Clearly then, the essay instruction ‘Discuss this issue by arguing whether you agree of not ~ that is, take a position and argue the point. It is an argument essay. an only mean, discuss Similarly, the question may specifically give two opposing views, and say: Discuss both these views, and give your opinion. Since an opinion is necessary, this an argument essay. Again, ‘discussing’ sides ean only be done by arguing them. Thus, this essay is an ‘argue both sides” essay. The last Task (Essay Task E word ‘why’ asks you to give reasons for a trend ~ that is, discuss, and! the yes/no question asks a combination of both discussion and argument, ‘The ques for your opinion — that is, argue. This mea there are actually four types of questions, as follows. 4. Argument Questions (give an opinion; argue a side) 2. Argument Questions (give an opinion; argue both sides) 3. Discussion Questions 4. Mixed Questions (discuss, and give an opinion/argue a side) It is, of course, important to identify exactly what sort of question we have in order to answer it (Tip 3). Argument questions [1 and 2] logically must be more common in the IELTS Academic Module, since arguin, certainly more difficult in planning, organi a point is a more academic exercise. In addition, argument questions are ng, and writing, and so the next few tips will look at them,