Understanding Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to write a formal essay (minimum 250 words) responding to a given prompt. It assesses your ability to:
✔ Present a clear argument
✔ Organize ideas logically
✔ Use academic vocabulary
✔ Demonstrate grammatical accuracy
Task 2 is worth 66% of your Writing score (Task 1 is only 33%), so mastering it is crucial for a high band.
5 Steps to Write a Band 7+ Essay
1. Analyze the Question
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Identify the question type (Opinion/Discussion/Problem-Solution, etc.)
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Highlight keywords (e.g., “To what extent do you agree?”)
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Check instructions (e.g., “Discuss both views and give your opinion”)
Common Mistakes:
❌ Not answering all parts of the question
❌ Misinterpreting the prompt
2. Plan Your Essay (5-10 mins)
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Brainstorm ideas (2-3 main points per paragraph)
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Structure logically:
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Introduction (Paraphrase + Thesis)
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Body Paragraph 1 (Main Idea + Example)
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Body Paragraph 2 (Counterargument or 2nd Idea)
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Conclusion (Summarize + Restate Opinion)
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3. Write a Strong Introduction
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Paraphrase the question (Use synonyms)
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State your thesis (Clear opinion if required)
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Keep it concise (2-3 sentences)
Example:
“Some argue that technology isolates people, while others believe it fosters connection. This essay will discuss both perspectives before concluding that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.”
4. Develop Body Paragraphs
Each paragraph should:
✔ Start with a topic sentence (main idea)
✔ Include explanations & examples (real-world evidence)
✔ Use linking words (However, Furthermore, For instance)
Example:
“Firstly, social media enables global communication. For example, platforms like Facebook allow families separated by distance to stay connected daily.”
5. Write a Clear Conclusion
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Summarize key points (No new ideas!)
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Restate your position (If opinion-based)
Example:
“In conclusion, while technology may reduce face-to-face interaction, its ability to bridge long distances makes it invaluable in modern society.”
4 Ways to Boost Your Score
1. Understand the Marking Criteria
Examiners assess:
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Task Response (Did you answer fully?)
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Coherence & Cohesion (Is it well-organized?)
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Lexical Resource (Vocabulary range & accuracy)
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Grammar (Sentence structure & accuracy)
2. Identify Your Weaknesses
Common issues:
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Poor planning → Leads to disorganized essays
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Limited vocabulary → Repeating basic words
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Grammar errors → Tenses, articles, prepositions
3. Fix Problems Strategically
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Grammar: Focus on complex sentences (e.g., “Although X is beneficial, Y remains problematic.”)
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Vocabulary: Learn topic-specific words (e.g., “sustainable development” for environment essays)
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Task Response: Practice analyzing questions before writing
4. Practice & Get Feedback
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Write 2-3 essays per week
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Compare with Band 9 samples
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Get expert feedback (Avoid self-assessment)
Essay Structures for All Question Types
1. Opinion (Agree/Disagree)
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Introduction: Paraphrase + Opinion
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Body 1: Reason 1 + Example
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Body 2: Reason 2 + Example
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Conclusion: Restate Opinion
2. Discussion (Both Views + Opinion)
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Introduction: Paraphrase + State Both Views
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Body 1: View 1 + Example
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Body 2: View 2 + Example
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Conclusion: Your Opinion
3. Problem-Solution
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Introduction: Paraphrase Problem
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Body 1: Causes/Effects
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Body 2: Solutions
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Conclusion: Summary
4. Advantages & Disadvantages
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Introduction: Paraphrase Topic
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Body 1: Advantages
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Body 2: Disadvantages
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Conclusion: Balanced Summary
Common Topics in 2025
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Technology & AI (e.g., “Do robots threaten jobs?”)
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Environment (e.g., “Should plastic be banned?”)
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Education (e.g., “Is online learning effective?”)
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Health (e.g., “Should governments tax unhealthy food?”)
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Society (e.g., “Is social media harmful to youth?”)
Final Tips for Success
✅ Avoid informal language (e.g., “I think” → “It is argued that”)
✅ Write 270-300 words (Better than risking 249!)
✅ Spend 40 mins max (5 planning, 30 writing, 5 checking)
✅ Practice under timed conditions
