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Writing

Writing question types

11 question types catalogued from 92 groups across Cambridge IELTS 10–20. 36 of those appear in the most recent four books (17–20). Types are sorted by recent frequency.

Task 1 — Process Diagram

11

Describe stages of a natural or man-made process.

36 TOTAL · 11 IN BOOKS 17–20 · 31% OF RECENT

Task 2 — Opinion (Agree / Disagree)

9

Answer "to what extent do you agree" — argue your position.

19 TOTAL · 9 IN BOOKS 17–20 · 25% OF RECENT

Task 1 — Bar Chart

4

Describe and compare bars across categories or time.

4 TOTAL · 4 IN BOOKS 17–20 · 11% OF RECENT

Task 1 — Line Graph

4

Describe trends over time across one or more lines.

4 TOTAL · 4 IN BOOKS 17–20 · 11% OF RECENT

Task 2 — Discussion

3

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

13 TOTAL · 3 IN BOOKS 17–20 · 8% OF RECENT

Task 2 — Advantages vs Disadvantages

3

Weigh the pros and cons of a development or trend.

8 TOTAL · 3 IN BOOKS 17–20 · 8% OF RECENT

Task 2 — Problem / Solution

1

Explain causes (or problems) and propose solutions.

4 TOTAL · 1 IN BOOKS 17–20 · 3% OF RECENT

Task 1 — Map

1

Describe changes to a place over time on a map.

3 TOTAL · 1 IN BOOKS 17–20 · 3% OF RECENT

Task 1 — Table

0

Group and compare values in a table.

1 TOTAL · 0 IN BOOKS 17–20 · 0% OF RECENT

Task 1 — Pie Chart

0

Describe proportions of a whole.

0 TOTAL · 0 IN BOOKS 17–20 · 0% OF RECENT

Task 2 — Two-Part Question

0

Answer two distinct questions in a single essay.

0 TOTAL · 0 IN BOOKS 17–20 · 0% OF RECENT