By English Test Coach · Updated
Academic Task 2 · Two-part questions
Volunteering during university
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Suggested practice level: intermediate, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
Some university students spend part of their free time volunteering in the local community. What benefits can this bring to students? How can universities encourage more students to take part?
How to approach this question
Identify the two questions and give each a developed answer. Do not replace one part with a general opinion essay.
Two-part essays: develop a separate answer to each question →
Worked example: Explain student benefits and university encouragement separately →
Education essays: develop ideas, test their limits and use topic vocabulary →
Benefit: a community role can let students apply communication or organisation skills in an unfamiliar setting. Explain how that experience differs from attending a class.
Encouragement: universities could publish vetted opportunities and recognise sustained participation without making unpaid service compulsory. Link convenience and trust to participation.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Introduction: identify the situation and briefly address both questions.
- Body 1: answer the first question with a developed explanation and a relevant example.
- Body 2: answer the second question, making connections to the first where useful.
- Conclusion: bring the two answers together without introducing an unrelated judgement.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- practical experience
- Knowledge or skill gained by doing a real activity.
Organising a local event can give students practical experience of teamwork.
- vetted opportunities
- Roles checked in advance for suitability and safety.
A university portal could list vetted opportunities with clear time commitments.
Ready to write your own answer?
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