ielts essay writing task 2 tips

• IELTS Scores
• Life Skills Test
• Find a Test Centre
• Alternatives to IELTS
• General Training
• Academic Word List
• Topic Vocabulary
• Collocation
• Phrasal Verbs
• Writing eBooks
• Reading eBook
• All eBooks & Courses
• IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 Lessons & Tips

These  IELTS writing task 2  lessons, strategies and tips will show you how to write an IELTS essay. They go through all the various types of essay that you may get and instructions on how to best answer them.

For the Task 2, general or academic modules, you have to write an essay that must be a minimum of 250 words. You have 40 minutes. 

These lessons are free and teach you all the key things you need to know about the IELTS writing task 2, such as writing an introduction, analysing essay questions, writing for a band 7, developing coherency and understanding opinion essays.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Lessons:

How to write an ielts essay:  .

IELTS Essay This starter lessons tells you in simple steps how to structure and write a basic IELTS essay. 

Getting Ready to Write:

Identifying the Topic Learn how to identify the topic of an essay question in order to help you answer it correctly. 

Identifying the Task This IELTS practice will help you identify the task of an essay question. The most important thing to make sure you answer the question. 

Brainstorming and Planning In this IELTS lesson, learn how brainstorm ideas for your essay and how to extend those ideas and create a plan.

IELTS Task Response In this lesson we look at the dangers of not properly answering an IELTS writing task 2 essay question.

Ideas for IELTS Candidates often worry about not having any ideas for IELTS essay topics. This gives you some advise on how to generate ideas. 

Parts of an Essay:

IELTS Essay Introduction This lesson explains how you should approach writing an introduction for an IELTS Task 2 essay. 

Writing a Thesis Statement The thesis statement is an important part of your essay, so this lesson explains how to write thesis statements for different essay types. 

Paragraph Writing Writing clear and well-organized paragraphs is essential for your essay, so here you will learn about the basic elements that make up a good paragraph . 

IELTS Essay Conclusion Learn how to write a quick conclusion for an IELTS essay.

Coherency and Cohesion:

Writing Coherence One way to improve coherency in your writing is to use transition words. This lesson teaches you how. 

Pronouns Your writing must be coherent, and this IELTS practice lesson shows you how pronouns can help you to do this

Substitution Learn how to use substitution in IELTS to improve your cohesion and quality of writing.

Getting a High Band:

How to get an IELTS Writing band 7 There is no quick way to achieve this, but this lesson provides some general guidance on what is required to get an IELTS band 7 in the writing module. 

Band 7 Transitional Phrases for Essays Learn about useful phrases that can be used to improve the sophistication of your writing in argumentative essays.

How to Score IELTS Band 8 This lesson tell you more about how the scoring works for band 8 writing and how long it can take you to get a band 8.

Essay Types:

Problem Solution Essays Learn how to write a problem solution essay for the IELTS test - a quick method that will produce a well-organized answer.

IELTS Opinion Essays Get an overview of the various types of essay that ask for your opinion in the test.

Advantage Disadvantage Essay This lesson shows you how to write an IELTS advantage disadvantage essay that requires you to give an opinion. 

A Complex Essay Question This lesson shows you how to answer a more complex IELTS essay question that does not have a straightforward 'task' given to guide you.

Style and Tone:

Personal Pronouns in Essays Can you use personal pronouns such as 'I', 'our' and 'we' in IELTS essays? Find out more in this lesson.

More IELTS Writing Task 2 Resources

Ielts essay questions.

Here you can check out recent IELTS test essay questions from 2018 and earlier that candidates have posted, and also common essay questions and topics that have come up in the IELTS writing task 2:

Latest IELTS Writing Topics

Common Essay Questions and Topics

IELTS Writing Task 2 eBook

Best Selling Writing eBook

Do you need more help to write a great essay for IELTS?

If so, check out our best-selling Step-by-step Guide to Writing a Task 2 Essay  

IELTS Writing Task 2 Forums

You can also get more great tips from the questions people have asked in the IELTS Forums about the IELTS writing task 2.

There are two relevant forums:

• IELTS Writing Task 2 Forum (topics & questions about the essay)
• IELTS Writing Band 7 Forum (dedicated to those needing a 7)

These are some of the most popular questions that have been asked about the IELTS essay in the Writing Forums:

• How do I answer agree / disagree type IELTS essay questions?
• What if I know nothing about the IELTS essay topic?
• How do I manage my time in the IELTS Writing Test?
• How do I format the essay on the test day?
• Can you explain these confusing essay questions?
• Why is it difficult to get an IELTS writing band 7?
• What are some strategies to get an IELTS band 8?

And remember you can ask your own questions so please visit the forum if you have any questions about the IELTS Writing Task 2. 

• IELTS Writing Tips

These are some of the top tips for IELTS writing:

Any comments or questions about this page or about IELTS? Post them here. Your email will not be published or shared.

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

• Click on the HTML link code below.
• Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Band 7+ eBooks

"I think these eBooks are FANTASTIC!!! I know that's not academic language, but it's the truth!"

Linda, from Italy, Scored Band 7.5

Bargain eBook Deal! 30% Discount

All 4 Writing eBooks for just  $25.86 Find out more >>

IELTS Modules:

Other resources:.

• All Lessons
• Band Score Calculator
• Writing Feedback
• Speaking Feedback
• Teacher Resources
• Free Downloads
• Recent Essay Exam Questions
• Books for IELTS Prep
• Useful Links

Recent Articles

Skimming and Scanning Tips for IELTS Reading

Jun 21, 24 02:29 AM

5 Key Grammar Rules for IELTS

Jun 14, 24 10:05 AM

Referencing in IELTS Reading: Comprehending the Text

Jun 08, 24 05:30 AM

Important pages

IELTS Writing IELTS Speaking IELTS Listening   IELTS Reading All Lessons Vocabulary Academic Task 1 Academic Task 2 Practice Tests

Connect with us

Before you go...

Check out the ielts buddy band 7+ ebooks & courses.

Copyright © 2022- IELTSbuddy All Rights Reserved

IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.

• PTE Study Plan & Strategy
• PTE Describe Image Task
• Mastering the PTE Write Essay Task
• Re-order Paragraphs and Reading Strategies
• PTE Listening – Tips and Practice for Success
• OET Study Plan & Strategy
• OET Writing Overview & Tips
• Tips and Practice for Success
• OET Listening Preparation & Practice Tips
• OET Reading
• Academic Writing Sample for Task 1
• Tips & Topics for IELTS Speaking
• TOEFL test changes 2023
• Time to Prepare for TOEFL
• Take a Free TOEFL Mock Test
• TOEFL Reading Time Management
• How to Succeed at TOEFL Reading
• TOEFL Listening
• TOEFL Speaking
• TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion
• TOEFL Integrated Writing
• Top 10 English Essay Writing Tips
• Synonyms and Other Writing Techniques
• START FREE TRIAL

IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips, Topics and Sample Answers

You can ace IELTS Writing Task 2 on IELTS test day by being prepared and confident! To help you with both, in this article, we give you:

• An easy three-step strategy that will boost your confidence by helping you plan and write a good IELTS Writing Task 2 essay;
• IELTS Writing Task 2 sample topics for all IELTS Writing Task 2 question types;
• An IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer; and
• A video that brings all this help together in an IELTS Writing Task 2 lesson.

To use all this help best, you need to practise with real IELTS Writing Task 2 sample questions. Sign up for our IELTS course on E2 Test Prep for a free trial to practice for your exam.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Overview

Writing task 2 tips & strategy, i. writing task 2 agree or disagree questions, ii. writing task 2 advantages and disadvantages, iii. writing task 2 discuss both views, iv. writing task 2 discuss both views and give your opinion, v. writing task 2 problem / solution question, vi. writing task 2 double question, identify the subject – focus your answer.

• Start Now. It’s Free ✌️

For both the IELTS General and IELTS Academic exams, Writing Task 2 is an essay. You are given 40 minutes to write an essay of over 250 words about a Writing Task 2 topic. This is what the Writing Task 2 essay topic will look like on your test paper.

Before we look at each part of the three-step strategy in more detail, a summary of this confidence building formula is:

Step 1 – Learn and identify all the question types. There are several different IELTS Writing Task 2 question types. If you learn all these to quickly identify the type of question you were given, you will save time on test day and can move to steps 2 and 3 below more quickly. In addition, if you are familiar with all the Writing Task 2 question types, there will be no surprises on test day, reducing the likelihood that you will panic during the test. We will set out all the different IELTS Writing Task 2 question types along with IELTS Writing Task 2 sample topics below.

Step 2 – Analyse the question to identify the subject of the Writing Task 2 topic. Identifying the subject of the question will help you focus your thoughts, making it easier to formulate your ideas more clearly and stay on point.

Step 3 – Plan and fit the content of your answer to a simple structure that has a clear beginning, middle and ending that align with the question type you are given. We will give you a Writing Task 2 sample answer by starting with an introductory paragraph, followed by two body paragraphs and a concluding paragraph.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

Step 1 of our strategy is to identify which IELTS Writing Task 2 question type you are given on your test. The question type will influence how you will structure your answer. The different IELTS Writing Task 2 question types you can expect to see on IELTS test day are:

The  agree/disagree  essay or opinion essay question gives you a topic and asks you to what extent do you agree or disagree with an idea related to that topic. An IELTS Task 2 agree or disagree sample topic is:

In the age of digital communication and social media, face-to-face interactions are becoming less common. Some people think that this is decreasing people’s ability to communicate well in person. Do you agree or disagree with this view?

Knowing right from the start that you are dealing with an agree/disagree topic gives you a big clue as to how you will structure your essay answer. This question type requires that you give your opinion supporting one side or the other – not both. It means that you must take a side. The body of your essay will focus on writing supporting ideas and examples.

The   advantages/disadvantages  essay question gives you a topic and then asks you to discuss its advantages and disadvantages. A sample advantages and disadvantages essay topic looks like this:

The rise of online shopping has transformed the way many people purchase goods. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this. 

Here you will need to present both sides of the argument, one side per paragraph (discussed in more detail below) with supporting ideas and examples for each.

The  discuss both views question type gives you two positions or opinions related to a topic and asks you to discuss both. A Writing Task 2 discuss both views sample topic is:

Some people think it is the government’s responsibility to tackle environmental issues. Others believe it is up to each individual to be environmentally responsible. Discuss both sides.

We will explain in more detail below that for this topic type, you should write one body paragraph on each opinion, giving explanations and examples in support of each view.

The  discuss both views and give your opinion  question is very similar to the question type above. However, instead of asking you to discuss two views, it also asks you to state which one you agree with. A Writing Task 2 discuss both views and give your opinion sample topic is:

Some people believe that artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to improve our lives. However, others are worried that it could have a negative impact. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

To write a good essay, you need to discuss both opinions (one in each body paragraph) giving arguments and examples to support each view. You also need to say which view you agree with most.

The   problem/solution  essay question presents you with an issue that you need to discuss and then provide possible solutions for. A Writing Task 2 problem / solution sample topic is:

The overuse of plastic packaging has led to numerous problems. Identify one or two serious ones and suggest ways that governments can tackle these problems.

In a good Writing Task 2 problem / solution answer for this sample topic, you will write about the problems caused by the overuse of plastic packaging in the first body paragraph and suggest some government-led solutions in the second body paragraph.

In the double question  essay, you are asked  two  questions, and you need to make sure you answer both. For example:

Nowadays, more and more people are shifting to a plant-based diet. Why is this the case? What are some drawbacks of plant-based diets?

Here you have two questions to answer. 1. Why are people shifting to a plant-based diet? 2. What are the drawbacks of this diet? You should spend one paragraph answering each question, it is essential that you don’t forget to answer both!

Step 2 of our three-step strategy is to identify and focus on the subject of the question. Although this seems obvious, pausing for a second and forcing yourself to identify the subject of the question helps avoid misreading the question and has planning benefits. The mental process of ‘identifying and focusing’ will help you plan your ideas and, importantly, keep your essay on point. Staying on point is key because the clearer your answer, the easier for an IELTS examiner to grade it and give you a better mark. 

For example, let’s looks at the ‘Discuss Both Views’ topic presented above:

For step 2, we need to ask ourselves: what is the core idea, or subject, of this question? On first read, ‘the government’s responsibility’ seems important. Then we see ‘environmental issues’, followed by ‘individual … environmentally responsible’. Which of these is the core subject? In this topic, the core subject is ‘responsibility for environmental issues’. This is the centrepiece of the topic and will be the anchor for your answer. 

Given that we know that it is a both views question type, we can also see the question has given us the two sides of the argument, being: i. government responsibility for environmental issues; and ii. individual responsibility for environmental issues. These clues are important because they are the two sides of the argument impacting on how we fit our written arguments within a good IELTS Writing Task 2 essay structure. You will need to practice identifying and focusing several times by looking at the IELTS Writing Task 2 sample topics given above, as well as in the IELTS Writing Task 2 practice questions you will find when you sign up to E2 Test Prep . The better you get at this, the more confident tackling any essay topic you will become.

Writing Task 2 Essay Structure and Sample Answer

Step three of the strategy is to plan the structure of your essay depending on the question type and the core subject of the question. Once you know this, you can fit the content of your answer to this structure. Don’t try to be fancy; a simple structure is best. Your essay should include four paragraphs:

• An introduction
• Body paragraph 1
• Body paragraph 2
• A conclusion

Let’s go back to the IELTS Writing Task 2 sample topic we looked at above. Here it is again:

At this point, we know that:

• it is a Writing Task 2 discuss both views question type
• the subject of the sample essay topic is ‘responsibility for environmental issues’ 
• an introduction that clearly identifies and states the subject (responsibility for environmental issues) of your essay as well as introduces the two points of view (government responsibility and individual responsibility) to be discussed in your essay
• body paragraph 1 which gives reasons why governments should be responsible
• body paragraph 2 which gives reasons why individuals should be responsible
• a conclusion that summarises and concludes the essay.

Note: for discuss both views , even if the question doesn’t say ‘discuss both views and give your opinion’, you should still give your opinion The IELTS Task Two Writing Descriptors for Task Response state that in order to get the highest marks, you need to present a ‘clear and fully developed position’. 

Pulling it all together, here is a brief Writing Task 2 sample answer:

Who should take responsibility for environmental issues? Should governments take the lead and act to solve environmental problems? Or should individuals take responsibility for their choices and actions to avoid harming the environment as much as possible? By looking at both sides of this issue, this essay will aim to show that it is, in fact, individuals that can make the biggest impact on the environment and therefore should take the most responsibility.

Some people argue that governments are in the best position to deal with environmental issues. Governments have the power to make laws that prohibit businesses and individuals from taking actions that harm the environment. For example, they set legal limits for the amount of carbon emissions a company is allowed to produce. Governments also have access to funding, experts and resources that are needed to launch environmental initiatives, such as using greener fuel, and to promote environmentally friendly lifestyles among the general public.

On the other hand, avoiding environmental issues and damage before any harm occurs is something that all individual citizens and individuals in businesses have within their power to achieve. We, as individuals, can reduce our power consumption and waste production. We can choose to install solar energy for our homes and businesses, or buy electric or hybrid cars and trucks. Also, we can also avoid spraying pesticides on our gardens or fields, and disposing of dangerous chemicals into public drains and sewerage systems. Through all of these small acts, collectively, we can have a wide-reaching impact. What is more, individuals can take this action today, without having to wait for long-winded government projects to eventually get the funding and backing to actually get off the ground. 

In summary, it can be argued that governments have a large responsibility for environmental issues because they hold the power and resources needed to deal with them at a leadership level. However, it is clear that individuals can have the greatest impact on the environment, so the duty must fall on them to be more environmentally responsible.

Summary and Next Steps

Firstly, if you feel you need more help with IELTS Writing Task 2, you should watch this E2 IELTS Youtube video and subscribe to our channel.

Secondly, you need to go to our  IELTS info page  and sign up for a FREE trial to access the best quality IELTS practice questions and activities. 

Preparing online for your IELTS with E2 Test Prep gives you effective methods, practice essays and expert feedback to feel confident and prepared for writing and every other exam task.

Author Bio:  E2 is the world’s leading test preparation provider. Our expert teachers are fully accredited English teachers with TESOL, British Council or IELTS certification, and years of IELTS examiner or IELTS teaching experience.

• Pingback: Olga's Amazing IELTS Success Story With E2Language

Rohit Kanwalu says:

very helpful information keep sharing

Nice information please keep sharing

Advice taken! Thank you 🙂

Shomoy says:

I have already become a thirsty watcher & learner. i think it could be very helpful for me.

Hi, how we can write a opinion essay such as balanced approach type? for example , to what extent do you agree?

olivia says:

CHECK THIS OUT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFlx4ZS7YSk

Varun Sangani says:

How do I access my writing add on package

Go ahead and message us via this STUDENT HELP LINK: https://help.e2language.com/support/tickets/new

This way we can directly correspond with you & answer any further questions you may have.

The E2 Team

Prasad says:

Very interesting! I got many ideas …..

Anna H. Smith says:

Thank you so much for the useful material you produce and generously sharing with us. It has improved my understanding of IELTS writng and the topics will help practice ,thanks for this article.

Rajib Barua says:

Very informative article. I appreciate your efforts. Thank you so much.

E2Language Team says:

Thank you, you’re welcome!

Sneha Rateria says:

Thank you for sharing article on Writing Task 2. It will be definitely helpful for many people. Keep posting more like this.

Htar Inzale says:

Helpful and informative video, thank u so much, indeed.

Winifred Kashim E says:

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes:

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

IELTS Writing Task 2: The Complete Guide

For Task 2 of IELTS Writing , you’ll be asked to give your opinion on a social issue. Want to know how this section works? Read on for our complete guide to IELTS Writing Task 2, with tips and tricks, sample essays, and more!

(Note: This guide is a handy supplemental resource for those who use our IELTS study schedules . In fact, we specifically recommend consulting this guide on Day 4 of our one week IELTS study plan !)

Table of Contents

• IELTS Writing Task 2 Basics

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Organization and Example

Task 2 ielts sample essays, improving your score in the second ielts writing task, task 2 ielts tips and tricks, ielts writing task 2 practice resources.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Basic Information

When you give your opinion on a social issue for IELTS Writing Task 2, you’ll work under the following basic rules and standards:

• This task will either be handwritten or completed on computer, depending on what format of the IELTS you take. Your recommended time limit for this task is 40 minutes, and the task takes up 2/3 (66%) of your score. For a full introduction to formatting, timing, and scoring, check out “ The Basic Facts of IELTS Writing Task 2 .”
• You need to write a 250 word minimum for your response. If your word count is below the minimum, it will hurt your score. For more information on how this works, see the IELTS Writing word count penalty for IELTS Task 1 and IELTS Task 2 .
• The good news is that keeping the right word count is one of the simplest ways to aim for a top Task 2 IELTS Writing score! For more guidance on how to do this, check out our post on how many words to write in your IELTS essays.
• Your Task 2 IELTS Writing essay should be formal , reflecting the same tone you’d take in an introductory university academic writing class. For this skill, Magoosh has you covered! See our tutorial on formal writing in IELTS Writing Task 2 for guidance.

IELTS General Task 2 vs. Academic Writing Task 2

This is an IELTS Task 2 basics question I often get: what is the difference between IELTS General Task 2 and IELTS Academic Writing Task 2? The answer is that there is no significant difference. Writing Task 2 Academic usually looks exactly the second IELTS Task 2 on the General Training version of the IELTS.

There is one very small difference: the wording of IELTS General Task 2 prompts is sometimes slightly shorter and simpler . But even then, the same things are being asked. And your essay will need to meet the same scoring standards no matter which version of the test you take.

A well-organized essay is your passport to a top score. Take a few minutes to plan and outline your essay from the beginning, following a good template. If you can do that, you’ll have a strong introduction, body, and conclusion that will really impress the scorers for the Task 2 IELTS essays.

How to Organize Your IELTS Essay

Below are a few resources to help you organize Task 2 IELTS essay in an efficient, impactful way:

• Brainstorming Essay Topics for Task 2 IELTS Writing
• The Best IELTS Writing Task 2 Template
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Body Paragraph Structure

Example Essay Template

The Task 2 IELTS Writing template contains a full model Task 9 essay. However, each section of the sample IELTS Task 2 essay is in a different part of that article, with instructions and explanations between the paragraphs. It may be helpful to also view that sample essay as it would look on a real exam. To see our model essay all in one piece, check out this PDF .

But wait, there’s more! Magoosh has one model essay for each of the five most common question types for Task 2 IELTS Writing prompts ! Click the links below for each sample IELTS Task 2 essay, with scorer commentary:

• IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion Sample Essay
• Model Essay for a Two-Part Question in Writing Task 2 IELTS
• Task 2 IELTS Writing: Causes and Solutions Sample Essay
• Task 2 IELTS Writing: Agree/Disagree Sample Response
• Model Advantage Disadvantage Response for Task 2 IELTS Writing

Now that we’ve shown you several model Band 9 essays, you may ask yourself: how can I get a top score on my own IELTS Task 2 essay? To be sure, looking closely at those model essays can help. But it also helps to take a closer look at the four categories in the official rubric for IELTS Writing Task 2 .

In brief, the four IELTS Task 2 rubric categories you’ll be scored on (and their share of the score) are:

• Task Response (25%)
• Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
• Lexical Resource (25%)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)

These categories actually apply to both IELTS Task 2 and Task 1. For a detailed description on how to get high marks in all four categories across the whole writing section, check out:

• The IELTS Task 2 and IELTS Task 1 Writing band descriptors
• How to get a band 8-9 in your Task 2 IELTS Writing

Last but certainly not least, we have tips and tricks for success in each of the four rubric categories:

• IELTS Writing Task 2: Task Response
• Coherence and Cohesion in IELTS Task 2 Writing
• IELTS Task 2 Writing: Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 2

Beyond the advice I’ve given you so far, Magoosh offers many other free tutorials for boosting your IELTS Writing Task score, and writing powerful essays within the time limits of the test. Here’s a roundup of our best Task 2 IELTS Writing resources to guide you on the road to test day:

Tips and Tricks From the IELTS Blog

• Magoosh’s Complete Guide to IELTS Writing
• Useful Sentence Patterns in IELTS Writing
• Linking Words for IELTS Task 1 and IELTS Task 2
• Using Conjunctions on the IELTS
• Paraphrase Exercise for IELTS Writing
• Do You Lose Points for Bad Handwriting in IELTS Writing?
• How to Use Commas Correctly in IELTS Writing
• 5 Common Grammar Mistakes in IELTS Writing: IELTS Task 1 and IELTS Task 1
• How to Effectively Check Your IELTS Writing
• How to Write More Quickly in the IELTS Task 2 Essay
• How to Write an Effective Conclusion in IELTS Writing Task 2

YouTube Videos

• Top Tips to Prepare for IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 (Video)
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Top Mistakes! (Video)
• IELTS Vocabulary: Writing Task 2 (Video)
• More Words to Know for IELTS Writing Task 2 (Video)
• 6 Useful Sentence Patterns to Improve Your IELTS Writing (Video)
• How to Get a Great IELTS Writing Band Score (Video)
• Paraphrasing Tips to Boost Your IELTS Writing Score (Video)
• IELTS Writing: How to Score a Band 8+ (Video)
• How to Prepare for IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
• How can I improve my IELTS Writing Band score?
• 6 Useful Sentence Patterns to Improve Your IELTS Writing

In addition to Task 2 IELTS Writing tips and tricks, Magoosh also offers you some great resources for practicing IELTS questions! Earlier in the post, I already showed you the practice set for the five most common types of Task 2 IELTS essay questions . But wait, there’s more….

Task 2 Practice Material

• The Best Writing Resources for IELTS Task 1 and IELTS Task 2
• How to Access the Practice Questions on the Four Official IELTS Websites

Youtube Videos

• IELTS Writing Practice Test (Video)
• IELTS Task 2 Essay: Agree/Disagree Sample Questions (Video)
• The Advantages/Disadvantages Essay for Task 2 IELTS (Video)
• Agree/Disagree Questions

Prepare For IELTS Writing Task 2 with Magoosh!

If you like what you see here, there is still even more. With a subscription to Magoosh IELTS you’ll get well over 100 video lessons, more than 600 practice questions, and email tutoring help from our teachers at no extra charge. We also offer a subscription to an IELTS essay scoring service that will assign a band score to your IELTS essays. You can also try a free one week trial of either service ! 🙂

Eliot Friesen-Meyers is the Senior Curriculum Manager for Magoosh IELTS and TOEFL. He attended Goshen College (B.A.), New York University (M.A.), and Harvard University (M.T.S.), gaining experience and skills in curriculum development, ESOL instruction, online teaching and learning, and IELTS and TOEFL test prep education. Eliot’s teaching career started with Literacy Americorps in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later, taught ESL programs at Northeastern University, University of California-Irvine, and Harold Washington College. Eliot was also a speaker at the 2019 TESOL International Conference . With over 10 years of experience, he understands the challenges students face and loves helping them overcome those challenges. Come join Eliot on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram . Recent blog posts Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 2

View all posts

More from Magoosh

112 responses to “IELTS Writing Task 2: The Complete Guide”

Thanks a lot for creating this pretty much useful guiding blog.

You’re welcome, Nanda! I’m glad you’re finding it so useful. Good luck with your studies!

is paraphrasing is common in all types of essays

Paraphrasing is definitely common in pretty much every type and topic for IELTS Writing Task 2, for the reasons outlined in this post: you need to paraphrase the question, and the conclusion will paraphrase ideas from the introduction and body of the essay. And IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 is pretty much 100% paraphrasing– your job there is to take information form a chart, table, or other graphic, and rewrite the info in your own words.

But even IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 has elements of paraphrasing, since you are given a situation that you will address by writing a letter, and you need to write about the situation in your own words.

And of course, paraphrasing is important in non IELTS essays, such as the ones you might be assigned in a university course. The skill of paraphrasing is something you’ll use in a variety of ways throughout your university career, really.

marvellous tips thanks for this

I’m so glad you found them helpful, Nanda!

Very organized and exhaustive article. The writer gave us a meticulous insight into task 2. Found it very useful. Thank you!!

Thank you for your feedback, Kaif! I’m glad you found the guide so helpful!

Although I have always thought of possible ways to bring about positive changes to me home town, it has become even more convincing to me because I have so many ideas already concurred to carry this out

Thank you a lot!

You’re welcome! Happy studying!

Dear Eliot, if the question is: “Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?” do I need to answer in the introduction or I can answer after discussing advantages and disadvantages? Thank you in advance

Hi Mari! Great question! As a general rule, you should always present your basic idea at the beginning of the essay. Some IELTS essay questions only ask you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of something (not your opinion). Therefore, in your introduction, you simply need to summarize the advantages and disadvantages that you will discuss in detail in the body paragraphs. However, when a Task 2 IELTS question asks for your opinion, it’s very important to state your viewpoint in your introduction as well.

Perfect! Thank you very much! And thank you for the article, is very useful!

You’re welcome, Mari! I’m glad you find the article helpful. Happy studying!

Sorry I can’t find the 5th one of your question types.

Hi Sazzad! Thanks for your question. You can find the 5th Task 2 question type on the table with the title “Thematic Questions.” Thematic Questions are a Task 2 question type that involve answering a set of questions that relate to a theme.

Thanks a lot. This was very useful.

I’m glad you found the post useful, Joel! Good luck with your IELTS studies.

Thanks for this great article. I would like to ask something. What one should do if someone doesn’t have enough information/points as per word requirements on that particular topic, how one should complete the task?

Thanks for your question, Shanawaz! It’s a good one because many IELTS-takers struggle with this same problem. Here’s a tip that has worked for many of my students: add more details and examples to your body paragraphs. If you go back and look at the sample essay in this blog post (about giving kids freedom to choose their careers), you’ll see that each body paragraph has main point, but there are many details (in this case, reasons) included to explain the main points further. Depending on the topic, you can use examples from your life and experience, people you know, or simply from what you have learned somehow. Just make sure that every detail in each paragraph relates to the main idea of the paragraph directly.

I hope this helps! Happy studying.–Eliot

Hi Eliot, thanks for such an informative blog post. As you have mentioned that one can mention about personal experiences in the task 2. However, I have seen that people have recommended not to use personal experiences while citing the instances. They suggest to use examples on general basis. Is it true?

I can take this one for you, Eliot! 🙂

Actually Sukhmani, you can use personal experiences in IELTS Task 2, as long as a personal example is the best suitable example to explain your point. (Eliot mentions this in the comments under this article, and I concur. 🙂 )

It’s a phenomenal thing we learn a lot with the help of this Thx a lot sir

I’m glad you found it helpful, Kamaljeet! Good luck with your IELTS preparation.

Eliot, thank you very much for your post, it was really useful! I would like to ask you a question. When writing body paragraphs, one paragraph represents its own idea. Do we need to do give several arguments (clearly dividing them by “first”, “second” and “finally”, for example) and then supporting ideas to each argument for the idea in the paragraph? Or can we simply state the idea and then explain it with examples? I’m wondering how strict the structure should be.

Hi Angelina! Thank you for your question. It’s a good one!

The answer is that you have some flexibility. You do not need to follow the same pattern in each essay. If you have a list of something (for example, two or three supporting reasons in one paragraph), it is a very good idea to clearly state the organization of your ideas with a list. The pattern you used in your example is a good one (first, second, third), but you can also say things like, “The first reason I like this idea is…” and then discuss this reason for a sentence or two. Then you can transition, “Another reason to support this idea is…” and then do the same as before–provide an example or explain your reason in more detail in a sentence or two.

Now, back to your question. Can you provide a few examples instead of presenting reasons or arguments in your paragraphs? Yes! If you want to explain your main idea with examples instead of reasons, you can use the same strategy as above. Introduce your examples so the reader has a clear idea how you are organizing your ideas. You can do it this way:

One example is….[and write a sentence or two to describe your example]. Another example is….[and write a sentence or two to describe your example].

However, I would add one important note here: If you write a body paragraph that uses only examples to support the main idea, you should always make sure to say, very clearly, how your examples relate to the main idea of your paragraph. After you provide an example, you can write things like this:

This example shows that… This situation means.. I believe this example shows…

I hope this helps with your question! Good luck with your IELTS studies!

Ooops …wish I found it little earlier because tomorrow is my test. However, I do have a query that could help for next test takers. In the answer sheet of booklet of some Cambridge book, I have found sample answer by the examiner which include introduction in the first paragraph followed by explaining the both argument and then giving ones opinion. I found is little bit contradictory as I referred here. How far is it considerable in giving ones opinion just prior to concluding paragraph and on what type of questions? Anyway, really a great job…!!!

Hi Kalash! Thank you for your comment. I think I understand your question and I will do my best to answer it. However, if I have missed your point, please let me know and I will follow-up!

Yes, it is fine to offer your opinion in the final paragraph, especially in Task 2 questions where the question says something like “discuss both sides and give your opinion.” Actually, there are many ways to organize a clear response to questions like these. The suggestions in this blog post (or any other place you find information about Task 2 essays!) are there to help you think of ways to present your ideas clearly.

In this case, you could discuss Side 1 in the first body paragraph, Side 2 in the second body paragraph, and then you could write a full third paragraph providing your opinion. However, you could also present Side 1 and offer your opinion about it in one body paragraph, and then present Side 2 and offer your opinion about it in a second body paragraph.

One thing you MUST do in both cases is present your opinion in your thesis statement (the last sentence of the introduction). No matter how you decide to organize your body paragraphs, this element is essential.

I hope this helps!

Good luck on your test tomorrow!!

–Eliot

I have a question. I took the exam a couple of days ago. i was able to finish both task 1 and task 2. However, I used 2 papers for my task 2, which I forgot to put a page number on top. Will that affect my grade? Im kinda freaking out hehe

I doubt anything significant will happen to you or your score. We can’t say for sure (it will depend on the rater) but this type of thing happens frequently. Good luck! 🙂

Sir, Is there any difference between essay structure asking Do you agree or disagree and to what extent do you agree or disagree??

Hi Gurpreet,

Great question! No, there is no difference between these questions and you can approach them the same way. In other words, you may argue for just one side, or you can make a balanced argument that focuses on the strengths and/or weaknesses of both sides. If you make a balanced argument, keep in mind that you should NOT argue that both sides are equally good or equally bad. You must take a position and choose the side you think is best. Make this argument clear in your thesis statement in the introduction.

Happy studying!

Yes, there is a difference. If the word extent is written, it is necessary to write either totally or completely agree/ disagree or partly agree.

Hi Rajneesh,

Eliot’s point here is that there isn’t a major difference between the two essays instructions. In the GRE, for example, you must take one side and make a strong argument for it. In the IELTS, your primary job is to show that you are able to express yourself clearly in written English. As long as you show that you understood the prompt and respond to it, these nuances are not as important as showing your ability to write clearly in English!

Hi Eliot, thanks for this very helpful article.

My question is, can I make statements like, “In my country, we have the practice of…” Will there be an identity-revealing issue or is this an acceptable approach?

Hi Anu! I don’t think this statement would cause you a problem. You are free to use examples from your life and experience on Task 2, so long as the examples you choose fit the question prompt.

However, it’s possible I don’t fully understand your concern about revealing identity. If so, please say more about what you have in mind.

I sent this link to my students that I’m currently tutoring. Saves me a lot of time! The explanations are clear and thorough. Thank you so much.

Hi Eliot , your blog really helped me a lot. I have a question. When we are asked to discuss both sides and give our opinion, can I write my opinion in the conclusion paragraph instead of writing separate paragraph before conclusion. Thanks in advance

Hi Yeshaswini,

It is not ideal to end an essay with new information (in this case, your opinion) which is why we recommend the opinion coming before the conclusion. But if you are in a situation where you truly feel this is better, you can definitely pull it off.

it is very helpfullthank you so much

In your “Writing IELTS Part 2 Question Types” “Discuss both sides and give your opinion”, you say that there should be 3 paragraphs, but at the free iELTS preparation course, they say, that “your opinion” goes into the conclusion. What is right? Thanks Vera

If you look at the example essay we provided here, you’ll see that there is a short introduction paragraph and a short conclusion paragraph that both express the author’s opinion. The two body paragraphs allow you to write about both sides of the issue and show your thought process. We should note here that there is no secret ‘formula’ on the IELTS–there are guidelines to help you craft your essay. It sounds like our advice matches pretty closely with what you heard from the free IELTS preparation course, but the most important thing is to show that you can write well in English 🙂

Thanks for the tips! I do have a few questions. When the topic question is about, “to what extent do you agree or disagree?”, do you have to pick a side? If you feel like the topic has both pros and cons, can you write the pro’s in para 1 and cons in para 2?

Also, when you are writing different examples to support a claim you make, can the different examples be in the same paragraph?

Thanks for your help!

Hi Samitha,

There is no one correct answer here–the purpose of Task 2 is to show that you can write well in English. The content doesn’t matter that much (you don’t need to convince anyone of anything) but you do need to show that you understand the prompt and can construct a response to it. Yes–you can use one paragraph to show how you agree (pros) and another paragraph to show how you might not agree (cons). In the brainstorm example we gave in this blog post, the person mostly agreed with the prompt, but also provided some reasons against the prompt. As long as you write a strong and logical essay, you’ll be fine 🙂

Each body paragraph should be a different major idea or claim. If you have time, you can write several examples in one paragraph as long as they all relate to the same claim. If you follow the structure above, you can have several examples for the ‘pro’ paragraph and several for the ‘con’ paragraph–just keep an eye on the time to make sure you can write the entire essay in time 🙂

hi, you have written wonderful article . I have a question for you if you could reply me i would be thankful.My question is that may i learn some essay by heart like 40 or 50 essay ?so it could help to get idea on time and might be possible i get exact same one of them in writing task 2

Thanks for reaching out! It’s not a good idea to think of trying to memorize essays in order to succeed on the writing test. They could ask you about anything at all in Task 2, and there’s no list of questions that you can draw from. Instead of spending your time trying to memorize essays, you should use your time to improve your general writing ability, understand the strategy associated with how to write an essay, and practice as much as possible. This is what is really going to help you improve! The templates that we provide you with here are useful because they will help you to organize your essay. Good luck!

I am very much confused about example that is asked to give in task II. How example can be mentioned? Another question is supposed there is statement related to agree or disagree, can we partial for it? If yes/no then how?

The purpose of task 2 is to show that you can express your ideas clearly in written English. In the second task, you should try to find examples that support your point. You can think of things logically or from your personal life that you can use to make your argument.

It’s ok to partially agree with the prompt and partially disagree, as long as you clearly state both sides. In the example essay, the author agrees in the first paragraph but disagrees in the second paragraph. In the conclusion, the author discusses both sides and makes his point clearly.

The best way to get used to this is just to write as much as possible! The more you practice, the easier it will be to think of examples and write your opinions down 🙂

Thanks for your enormous support. Really helped!

I’m so glad this was helpful! Happy studying 🙂

Hi sir, i would like you to give me a feedback on this introduction of mine which is answer to your example in the video. “Home town is the place that many people, including me love so much. In order to develop it, i would come up with some suggestions in altering it. I believe that these points will benefit to enhance my home land.” Thanks in advance sir!

Hi Lakhana,

I’m glad that you found this video and blog post useful! Unfortunately, we are a small team with a lot of projects, and we are not able to provide personalized feedback on writing. I’m sorry about that! There are many different forums and other places where you can find people willing to edit your essays. Best of luck!

I have written the IELTS academic test twice and even though I receive good marks for speaking, listening and reading, I have received 6.5 for writing both times. The first time I couldn’t finish my conclusion, which would make sense that I only got 6.5. But the second time I completed it all with the right amount of words and paragraphs. I’m not sure how to go abouts studying for this as I don’t know where my faults are – I wish they could return your test results to help you prepare better.

Any advise would be lovely.

It is definitely frustrating not to get any feedback on your writing for the IELTS! However, there are still plenty of ways that you can improve on this score! First, I recommend that you look over any practice essays that you wrote, especially timed ones that you wrote right before the exam. It’s likely that any mistakes you made on the actual exam are pretty similar to the mistakes you made on these practice essays. Take some time to analyze these essays according to the Band Descriptors released by IELTS ( https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/IELTS_task_1_Writing_band_descriptors.pdf and https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/IELTS_task_2_Writing_band_descriptors.pdf ). You can also post some of your essays on message boards such as the one on the IELTS Australia page ( https://ielts.com.au/forums/ ). If possible, have a friend or tutor with a high English level look over your essays and provide some feedback. You should also definitely continue to write as many practice essays as possible and analyze each one. This should give you a good sense of what you need to improve and how you can do it. The more you practice and analyze your essays, the more you will improve! Good luck 🙂

I’d like to share my IELTS experience, I recently took IELTS and I scored less than what I am expecting. I finished both writing tasks on time. After reading your blog, I noticed that each question type should have a specific number of body paragraphs? All I know is, you should have 4 paragraphs in your writing. (introduction, argument 1(pros/cons), argument 2 (pros/cons) and lastly conclusion. I followed these during my actual exam. Answering question about “Many people today claimed that they have a better quality of life than those who live few centuries ago, how do you agree or disagree in this statement?” First, I made a short introduction and I stated that in the next few paragraphs I will discuss my answer. On my second paragraph, I stretched all the advantages to people living these days in terms of modernisation and globalisation and the negative effect it brings as well. On my third paragraph, I wrote about the claims of older people that life before were simpler and and stress free however there are disadvantages too. Finally, on my concluding part, I wrote about my side, that living nowadays offers a better quality of life due to improvised technology and new discoveries. Do you think I made a complicated writing? I am planning to take my IELTS for second time, although I am still feeling a bit frustrated. I also wish we could take our writing results with comments and corrections from the examiner who checked my paper so that I can diligently improve the parts that I missed.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I know it’s frustrating not to get any feedback or other information about your exam–it can make it hard to improve! It’s really hard to tell what happened without reading your essay, but there are a few things you can consider. In some cases, simple is better for the writing section of the IELTS. You need to show that you can write well in English, but if you try to do too much you might end up with handwriting that is hard to read, sentences that are long or convoluted, or arguments that don’t quite make sense. I’ve seen students who try to use advanced vocabulary and grammar even though they are not entirely comfortable with them; the result is difficult to read and make sense of for a native speaker. I’m not sure exactly what happened here. Based on your description, you set up your essay in a good way, but you may want to analyze some of your practice essays (and ask others to analyze them, perhaps some teachers in your school) in order to get some feedback about what you wrote. I recommend that you keep practicing the essays and keep analyzing your results so that you can continue to improve! Good luck!

please is it wrong to use biro(pen) to write the easy .You mentioned the use of pencil.

According to this information from the British Council , you can use either a pen or a pencil. You should confirm the test-day requirements with your testing center. Keep in mind that a pen might be difficult because you won’t be able to erase your work, and the page can get messy if you make mistakes and have to correct them. Remember that handwriting and read-ability affect your score, so make sure that you are completely comfortable using a pen if you decide to bring one!

Greatly simplified article. I want to ask something. Should I write more than one points in a body paragraph? For example, in one body paragraph, point 1, its supporting reason/ example, point 2, its supporting reason/ example. Same in paragraph 2.

Hi Chintan! Thanks for your question. Yes, you may include more than one point in a paragraph in the way you described. However, it’s important to make sure that both points relate to or support the same main idea in the paragraph. If you move to a new idea, you’ll need to begin a new paragraph.

Please find the introduction for the essay question you have given in the video. Please do examine this and give the corrections or improvements.

Given an opportunity, I would bring certain changes to my hometown, thereby adding glory to the glorious city.

Thanks for stepping up to the challenge in the IELTS Writing Task 2 video in this post, Buvana. 🙂

So, let me give yo my critique. 🙂

First, you want to make sure that you really are paraphrasing the original question. So let’s revisit that question from the video:

If you could change your home town to make it a better place, what changes would you make?

How would these changes improve your home town?

You’ve done a good job at paraphrasing the “If you could change your home town” portion of the original sentence. “Given the opportunity” is a good paraphrase of “If I could.” “Bring certain changes to my hometown” is a good paraphrase of “change my home town,” too. But you could paraphrase this even more thoroughly and elegantly by eliminating the root word change, and saying something like “I would make some things in my home town different.” Finally, we get to “adding glory to the glorious city.” Here, your paraphrase “make it a better place” is a little awkward. The use of both “glory” and “glorious” is a bit repetitive. How can you express the idea of making your home town a better place with less repetitive language?

Now that we’ve looked at the structure of your paraphrasing, let’s look at overall introduction content. Remember, your introduction should actually be two sentences. You want an initial sentence that paraphrases the question, and you have written that. But then you what a thesis statement that previews and summarizes the specific answers you have to the question. So you should add a second, follow-up sentence that briefly explains how and why you would change your hometown in order to improve it.

Feel free to revise the first sentence and add a second sentence as I mentioned above. If you put your new, revised introduction in the comments section, my colleagues and I will give you further feedback on it. 🙂

I have tried with an introduction.

“Hometown is the place where you are born and have many good memories with that place. this essay discusses the problems and solutions to them on how to make our hometown a better place to live in. in my opinion, the joint efforts of everyone can make it a better place.”

Another commenter rises to our video challenge! 🙂

This is a pretty good introduction. But remember, the question is asking you what you’d do to improve your hometown, and how your proposed course of action would improve things. So be sure to include a “what” and “how” in your introduction. The “what” statement could begin something like this: “through our joint efforts, we would all (DESCRIBE WHAT YOU’D DO). Then for the “how,” say something like “this plan would improve my hometown because….” And of course, as you revise, make sure to double check for spelling and grammar errors. 😀

Here is my introduction: There are some crucial things that I would like to alter of my home town to ameliorate the living and environment condition. I would suggest to reduce or eliminate the enormous traffic jam from the street and I believe if the excessive traffic jam is reduced, our precious time to reach destination would be saved as well as environment pollution would be lessen.

Hi Tabassum,

In terms of content, this is an excellent introduction. It references the original question; it’s clear what has been asked and what kind of answer you are giving. It also puts forth your main idea and supporting details: you’ll reduce traffic congestion so that people can save time and pollution can be reduced.

In terms of wording, however, there are a few problems you should fix. The vocabulary you’re using seems overly wordy, and a little too advanced. Words like “ameliorate” aren’t really used in regular, more conversational writing, and “our precious time to reach destination would be saved” is overly wordy and a little hard to follow. It would probably be better to say something more straightforward there, such as “commuters could save time.” The IELTS essay really should have a more plain, conversational tone.

In addition, many of the bigger words you’re using are in the wrong form or grammar. For example, “environment condition” should actually be “environmental condition,” and “would be lessen” should be “would lessen.”

It strikes me that you’re overextending your vocabulary a little, using advanced, highly formal academic words that you understand, but have trouble using yourself in writing. You can actually get a better score if you make your writing simpler, working with the words you’re most comfortable with.

Many thanks for such excellent guidance.

I would like to ask about the preferable word limit in IELTS writing Task GT essay? Is it fine if word limit exceeds 300 words or should it be kept below 300?

Also, I am not sure about which examples can be quoted… should it be related to real life experiences or mentioning of any anonymous survey can suffice the purpose.

Good questions. When you write, “Task GT,” I believe you are talking about General Training Task 1, for which you write a letter. Please let me know if you had something else in mind. For Task 1 (Academic and General Training), you should not write a lot more than the requirement. Writing too much will use valuable time you can spend editing your composition. It also steals time you could use to work on your Task 2 response, which counts more towards your overall writing score. I suggest shooting for 180 – 200 words for Task 1. You should be able to cover the required information very easily if you hit that mark.

Regarding examples, I believe you are asking about Task 2 here. You can include examples from your life, the lives of people you know, things that occurred in your city/country, etc. You may also use data even if you don’t remember the precise details. For example, you could write, “A recent study revealed that roughly 60% of the residents in my city…” It’s fine to use anything that supports your point well. However, here is the important point about examples: they must be appropriate to the topic. Some IELTS topics have a more personal angle, such as discussing the qualities of a good friend or a good teacher. Other topics are much less personal, such as discussing the environment or social changes over time. Use examples that fit the essay topic and support your main points well.

I hope this helps. Happy studying!

Modifying our own native place to make it the most liveable place is always accepted by people. Though difficult, few changes can lead to boost the place to be more liveable for instance, good infrastructure, establishment of better educational institutions, emphasising in house production which can prompt to escalate the overall growth of the home town.

Your paraphrasing of the original question is a bit weak. “Native place” for example, is not really a phrase that’s used in English, and it doesn’t mean “home town.” Also, “a more livable place” would probably work better than “the most livable place,” since we’re talking about improving the town, not perfecting it. There are a number of other problems here: “few changes” mean “almost no changes,” so “a few changes” (some changes) might be better. And “emphasizing in house production” also sounds strange. Less awkward wording could be “focusing on home construction.”

Those are just a few examples of odd wording that could hurt your IELTS writing score. With that said, the basic structure of your introduction is good. You start by paraphrasing the question and giving your opinion, and then you go on to give specific examples. Keep that excellent structure as you revise your wording.

The sample essay is pretty good, but to address the child possessive pronoun should be fixed (his or her), in the essay it keeps on changing.

This is actually a very common convention in English writing, since there is no gender nonspecific pronoun. Some people will write “his or her” every time, but that is cumbersome and difficult to read. It’s also becoming more widely accepted to use “they” as a singular pronoun , but we don’t recommend that you do so in academic writing. Instead, it’s common to switch between gender pronouns in different examples. In this sample essay, you’ll notice that the author uses “she/her” for an entire paragraph, and then switches to “he/him”–that is completely acceptable in English writing! Remember that we aren’t talking about a specific person or child here, so there’s no issue with switching the pronoun. In fact, it shows even more clearly that the example is general and applies to an entire group!

Is there any online writing evaluation? I need someone to score my writing to check my level

We don’t provide essay grading services here at Magoosh. Sorry about that! We are a small team with thousands of students, and in order to keep our prices affordable we decided not to provide essay grading.You can share your IELTS Speaking and Writing for online feedback at various IELTS Internet message boards, including the official IELTS Australia forums . It is also useful to get feedback from a tutor, or a friend, classmate or teacher who has good English. You can use our resources in this guide to help you grade your essay accurately 🙂

In body 1 & 2, if I write only main points with explanation using complex sentence and don’t give an example, so what happened? I got good score or not?

On the IELTS, you are graded on the quality of your writing. You can certainly score well without specific examples, as long as you answer the question presented by the task and develop your ideas in each paragraph. Examples help you to do this, but you can also do this logically.

Every place could became a better place thanks to some improvements. If I could I rebuild the city where I live adding more parks and green area, but I also would establish some more stringent parking and traffic rules to discipline residentds.

Your ideas and basic structure are very good here. Remember, though, a good introduction also gives a few reasons for the claims you’re making. I advise adding a sentence or two explaining why you feel that more parks, more green areas, and more stringent parking/traffic rules would make your town a better place to live in. Also remember that if you use the phrase “If I could,” you should follow it with “I would.” As in “If I could rebuild the city… I would add more parks….”

“To what extent do you agree or disagree” Do we have to discuss on both points?

No, if you get a question that says “to what extent do you agree or disagree?” you need to assess the strength of your stance as well as what that stance is. You might be strongly on one side or maybe weakly. I hope this helps!

Here is my intro please feddback this.

Changes always are good makes life better and comfortable. While I agree it is unwise to leave a place imperfect, however we have many things that should be changed in my hometown.

We currently don’t offer speech or writing feedback. We are a small team with a lot of students, and unfortunately can’t offer this sort of personalized support. I recommend that you check out the official IELTS Australia forums. . A lot of students give and receive feedback there!

Changes do matter in the present upgraded world. If am allowed to take some measures in the place where i live or in the place where i have stayed before, could be a thought to have discussion.

Hi – I am responding to the task 2 introduction as per the video. It was related to the changes I would like to bring about in my hometown.

Introduction only –

With the growth of commercialization, I certainly believe it’s time to stop and think about the improvements and modifications we can bring about in our local communities, societies, cities and towns to build an eco-friendly atmosphere. I belong to a small town of Nanital, in the state of Uttrakhand, India. One of the major changes that we need to focus on is for the famous ‘Nani’ Lake to resolve the issue of depleting lake water.

Thanks, Looking forward to hearing back from your soon.

Hi Abhilasha,

Let’s take a closer look at this introduction. I like the good range of vocabulary you have here. The grammar is perfect too! With all that said, there are also a few improvements you could make.

Remember that the question is about “hometown” and not local society in a broader sense. Your reference to “local communities, societies, cities and towns” is a little too broad. You want to keep the focus on the idea of a hometown. And you can actually use the exact term “hometown” from the prompt. While paraphrasing the prompt is important, the most important specific terms from the original question should be repeated as-is.

So I would make the opening sentence simpler, just referencing hometowns. I also recommend adding some information to the second sentence. What specific change would you make in relation to the lake? You obviously don’t want to go into too much extra detial, but getting more specific, summing up the change in perhaps 5-10 words, would help make your introduction meaningful and impactful.

Hello, i wanna thank you for this amazing article, that I found very handy indeed. i have one question in mind and I hope you will provide with me with sufficient feedback. Is it okay!! to write in task 2 such phrases as: this essay will discuss, this essay agrees ….. best regards

The phrase “this essay will discuss” should be fine as an introduction/overview, though it’s not really necessary. If you clearly state your thesis statement, then this sentence may just be repetitive.

The phrase “this essay agrees,” on the other hand, just sounds strange! An essay can’t agree or disagree with anything–you, the writer, are agreeing or disagreeing. I would recommend that instead of using a sentence like that, you just clearly state your thesis.

helloo!! dear i have a query if you could answer it please. i took my ielts GT recently and was asked to discuss both sides and give your opinion. i gave intro and then discussed both views and gave my opinion in conclusion. b8ut here you have suggested to write a seperate parah for opinion before conclusion. m little worried that will i loose bands for not doing it this way ?

if so, then how this will effect my score? i require 7 bands in it.

That’s a great question, Swati. If you didn’t express any opinion at all until the very end of the essay, that could definitely affect your score. The instructions say you should state the extent to which you agree or disagree with a position or positions. So that should be the main focus of your essay, and some expression of agreement or disagreement should be happening throughout the essay.

However, if you expressed parts of your opinion in the body paragraphs, and then summarized your opinion in full int he final paragraph, you still might be able to get a good score. Ideally, your opinion should be mentioned in some way in every paragraph. But if your introduction was very brief and you expressed at least parts of your opinion in each body paragraph, you might still get a good score.

My home town is a small city with bustling streets.There are lot of improvements has to be made to uplift the city and bring to the standard of rest of the cities.

Hi Elliot,’

Here is the introduction to the above-mentioned question. Kindly give it a read and let me know your feedback.

Making alterations to their hometown in order to make it a wonderful place is like a dream for a majority of people nowadays. Given an opportunity, I would like to make advancements in my town. This will include the use of metros which will solve the traffic issues to a great extent. In the below paragraphs, I intend to delve into some other improvements that I want to do and the impact these will have on my city.

I have my exam in the next two days. Kindly let me know your valuable feedback

Hi Prakhar! Let’s take a closer look at your introduction!

I like the way you start with broader statement that introduces the topic (your first sentence). You also did a good job of including one specific point that will be in your essay (“use of metros”). And you gave a specific way in which that change would improve your town (“solve the traffic issues”). This is excellent as well.

With that in mind, let’s also talk about things you could do to make this introduction even stronger. 🙂

Be careful of your word choices. “Alterations,” for instance, is a kind of awkward word choice here. “Alterations” usually refers to changes made to clothing or other product designs. This word does not fit well when you are talking about changes to an entire city. Similarly “advancements” usually refers specifically to modernization and the use of new inventions and technology, which doesn’t clearly match your intended meaning. And “metros” can mean meany different things (a “metro” can refer to a city area that includes suburbs, or can refer to a local bus, a local train, or a number of other local services). So it would be better to use a more specific example than that.

It also might be good to briefly describe specific traffic issues that need to be solved. And you should be more specific about the “other improvements.” If you’re going to write about other improvements besides traffic in your essay, you should also briefly mention those other improvements in your introduction.

I hop all of this helps, but let me know if you have any questions about the feedback I’ve given you here. 🙂

I often envisage of making my City modern with less pollution and eco friendly. This can be achieved by reducing the cars on the roads and creating alternative modes of transport like building underground tubes, railways and using electric cars.

Nice introduction. Remember, thought– paraphrase the prompt fully and clearly in your introduction. An added phrase such as “if there is one way I would improve my home community….” could be a helpful extra paraphrase. Be sure to also explain in your intro why alternative modes of transport would be helpful, something like “these changes would reduce pollution and be more eco-friendly because….” Also, here, the word should be “envision,” not “envisage.” Again though, great ideas and setup for an intro to this essay. 🙂

Everyone would like his country to be the most perfect place in the world, and so do I. This essay will explain my point of view of how would using renewable energy and internet influence my home town to develop.

Hi Asmaa! Nice intro 🙂 Are you looking for feedback? This is good, though I might suggest that you make an even clearer connection between your opening sentence and your thesis. I do like how clear your thesis is!

Here is an introduction to the prompt in the video.

I have been staying away from my hometown for quite a few years, and when I look back, I really want to bring in some changes to my native to make it a better place to live. Given an opportunity, I would introduce multiple institutes to learn martial arts and/or self defense. The dynamics of safety will be highly impacted by this change in a positive way, offering a higher sense of security among parents, kids, women in general, and older people as well.

I would request you to take a look and let me know of your valuable feedback and suggestions, if any.

Hi Moumita,

Thanks for responding to this prompt! I’m afraid that we don’t provide feedback for IELTS speaking tasks–we are a small team with a lot of students, so it would be difficult to provide this service for everyone! There may be other readers who can give you feedback 🙂

Introduction: The topic of the essay is the possible amendments that might be made to beautify my home town and to develop its living conditions.The modifications will add up to the betterment of my town in numerous ways. Replacement of old, out of ordered transformers with new ones would the first step to be taken.Secondly,I will try to provide enough amount of water supply to every house in town.Trash dumping system and improvisation of poor conditions of roads would be third in my target list.Like any well-established area my home town would also turn into a place with all fundamental facilities.

The structure of your introduction is good. You open up with a good overview,a nd then you outline each idea that will appear int he body of your esay. Nice work!

To make this introduction even stronger, carefully double-check your word choices. To give just two examples, “amendment’ usually means a written change to a document rather than an infrastructure change to a town, and “improvisation” refers to an unrehearsed stage performance, not an improvement.

My introduction

I’ve frequently imagined how beautiful,healthy, happy and peaceful my community would appear if I was able to make some radical changes to benefit every member of the community and the community itself.This essay will elaborate on three major changes that if made would in my opinion significantly improve the quality and standard of living in the community. The three major changes are, Road repairs, Removal of stagnant water and garbage collection and disposal.

Body #1: Road repairs(Explanation, reasons, benefits) Body #2: Removal of stagnant water(Explanation, reasons, benefits) Body #3: Garbage collection and disposal(Explanation, reasons, benefits)

Really look forward to a feedback.

Thanks Ranjan

Great structure and a really good introduction, Ranjan. There is one change I’d suggest, though. At times, your writing is a bit too wordy. Having four adjectives to describe your community int he first sentence is a little more complex than ideal. Similarly, “on three major changes that if made would in my opinion significantly improve…” is also quite wordy. Consider eliminating at lease one or two inessential words. “In my opinion” could be omitted, and/or you could get rid of adjectives such as “significantly.”

Hey David !

I really appreciate the feedback. I agree that I had used a lot of objectives in the first sentence and that the introduction is pretty wordy.

I guess concise choice of words and phrases are the way to go eh ?

I think that your article helped me a bit although I’m still a somewhat stumped. Thanks anyway!

The essay enquires about the possible modifications you’d consider making in order to improve your hometown. There are numerous changes that I would consider implementing, but the most important ones will be as following: constructing playgrounds in each neighbourhood, defining proper traffic lanes and an improved transport facility. I believe these are the most essential and rudimentary necessities for everyone and such changes improvements can make lives easier.

is it mandatory to write ielts task 2 in three paragraphs?

Hi Anshuman,

No, there is no required organization to the IELTS Task 2 essay. Some people might write 3, 4 or even 5 paragraphs. It is important to organize your essay well, however, and ensure that your use of paragraphs makes sense for the content of the essay.

Very useful guide. Many thanks

Hello, i wanna thank you for this amazing article, that I found very handy indeed. i have one question in mind and I hope you will provide with me with sufficient feedback. Is it okay!! to write in task 2 such phrases as: this essay will discuss, this essay agrees ….. best regards

Hi Anil, You’re so welcome, we’re so glad you found it helpful!

In regards to your question, since for Task 2 you’re asked to give your opinion on a social issue, it’s better to say “I will discuss” or “I agree…” That will help make your writing more clear. I’d advise you to look as several Task 2 example essays to get a good idea of how they’re written and the types of phrases they use. We have several linked towards the bottom of this article, and that should really help to make it clear in your mind!

Happy studying! 😀

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

IELTS Advantage

IELTS Preparation Courses

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures

The four most common IELTS writing Task 2 questions are: Opinion, Advantages and Disadvantages, Problem and Solution Discussion

IELTS Task 2 Essay Structures

Knowing how to structure your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay is an essential skill that can make the difference between getting and not getting the band score you deserve. With that in mind, we have outlined the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 structures below.

Nearly all of my Task 2 essays follow this basic structure: The sentences you put in each paragraph will depend on what type of question you get.

The five most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are:

• Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Problem and Solution
• Discussion (Discuss both views)
• Two-part Question

Below I will outline examples and a structure approved by experienced IELTS teachers and examiners for each type of question. This will help you write a clear, coherent answer and hopefully boost your IELTS band score. I also include an example answer for each type of question so you can see the structure in a real essay.

Please note that these are general structures and may vary slightly depending on the question.

Please also note that no ‘one’ Task 2 essay structure will get you a high score. There are many types of structures that can get you a high score. These are just some I think are effective and easy to learn. 

Please visit the lessons below for more detailed guidance on each type of question. I have provided a link at the end of each section.

Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree) 

Typical Question Words –

What is your opinion?

Do you agree or disagree?

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Direct question.

Example Question –

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory in high school programmes (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).

Essay Structure 

Introduction 

1- Paraphrase Question

2- Give your opinion and outline the main ideas.

Main Body Paragraph 1 

1- Topic Sentence

2- Explain Topic Sentence

Main Body Paragraph 2

Conclusion 

1- Summary of main points and opinion

Student Sample Answer

It is argued that volunteering should be made part of the school curriculum. This essay agrees with that suggestion completely because it help pupils develop soft skills and helps them gain much-needed work experience.

Education should not be limited to strictly academic pursuits, and those in education should also develop life skills, such as teamwork, empathy and self-discipline, and one of the best ways to hone these aptitudes is through community service. Serving those less fortunate than ourselves teaches us many lessons, including how to work with people from other backgrounds and the value of hard work, thus enabling us to hone these skills before becoming an adult. For example, many young people from wealthier countries take a gap year and help those less fortunate than themselves to increase their gratitude for what they have and improve their work ethic.

Many colleges and companies are also increasingly looking for this type of experience. Most school leavers have the same grades, and charitable work can help set you apart from other students when making college applications. For example, Cambridge and Oxford receive thousands of applications from straight-A students yearly and can only accept a small percentage of applicants. What you have done outside the classroom often differentiates you from everyone else and gets you that coveted spot.

In conclusion, teenagers should be made to partake in unpaid work as part of their schooling because it will help them learn things they wouldn’t ordinarily learn from their teachers, and it will also boost their chances of getting into third-level education.

For more detail on how to answer agree or disagree questions, please visit our opinion essay lesson . 

Need help writing essays like this? Check out our ESSAY CORRECTION SERVICE .

Advantages and Disadvantages Questions

Typical Question Words 

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Example Question

Technology is being used more and more in education.

Essay Structure

2- Outline Main Points

Main Body Paragraph 1

1- State Two Advantages

2- Expand/Explain First Advantage

3- Expand/Explain Second Advantage

1- State Two Disadvantages

2- Expand/Explain First Disadvantage

3- Expand/Explain Second Disadvantage

1- Summary of Main Points

Student Sample Answer 

It is argued that technology plays an ever-increasing role in schools and universities. Increased access to information and student freedom are the main advantages, whereas dependency on technology and decreasing levels of face-to-face contact are the main disadvantages.

Access to more information and student autonomy are the principal advantages of increasing the use of electronic devices in education. With the internet, students can access all the information available about any topic, regardless of what books and other resources are available in the school. Furthermore, students can focus on whatever topic or subject they want and study it in depth. A prime example of this is the number of online university courses available to students, covering a myriad of subjects that, up until recently, were unavailable to most learners. This has resulted in more people studying third-level degrees than ever before at a pace and schedule that suits them.

The main disadvantages associated with the increasing use of technology in education are the dependency on this technology and the decrease in face-to-face interaction between students. With many students now using the internet as their primary source of information, they often struggle to use other academic resources to find what they’re looking for. As well as this, students spend more time looking at computer screens by themselves than interacting with each other, which is thought to lead to lower levels of emotional intelligence. For instance, the recent explosion in smartphone use has been at the expense of genuine human interaction. This results in soft skills, such as verbal communication and empathy, being affected.

In conclusion, the benefits technology brings to education, such as unrestricted access to information and student autonomy, must be weighed against the drawbacks, such as dependency on this technology and the negative effects on human interaction.

For more detail on how to answer advantage and disadvantage questions, please visit our  advantage and disadvantage lesson . 

Discuss Both Views Question (Discussion Essay)  

Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.

Example Question 

Technology is being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.

Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.

1- Paraphrase Question and/or state both viewpoints.

2- Thesis Statement

3- Outline Sentence

1- State first viewpoint

2- Discuss first viewpoint

3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint

4- Example to support your view

1- State second viewpoint

2- Discuss second viewpoint

Sentence 1- Summary

Sentence 2- State which one is better or more important

There is an ever-increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the classroom. It is often argued that this is a positive development, whilst others disagree and think it will lead to adverse ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in technology is beneficial to students and teachers.

The Internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before. This has allowed learners to research and learn about any subject at the touch of a button. It is therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for education. Wikipedia is a prime example, where students can type in any keyword and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.

However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. Human interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Without these soft skills, many people find it difficult to become successful in work and their personal lives. Despite this, human interaction is still possible through the internet, and this essay disagrees that technology should be dismissed for this reason. For instance, Skype and Facebook allow people to interact in ways that were never before possible.

While the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap into limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomenon and not allow it to curb face-to-face interaction. However, as long as we carefully consider the importance of human interaction in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive.

For more detail on how to answer discussion questions please visit our  discussion essay lesson . 

Problem and Solution Questions

Problem and solution.

Cause and solution.

Students are becoming more and more reliant on technology.

What are some of the problems associated with reliance on computers, and what are some of the possible solutions?

2- Outline Sentence

1- State Problems

2- Explain First Problem

3- Explain Second Problem

4- Example of Second Problem

1- State Solutions

2- Explain First Solution

3- Explain Second Solution

4- Example of Second Solution

Learners are becoming increasingly dependent on technology, such as the Internet and mobile devices. This essay believes the main problems associated with dependence on computers are the lack of original thought and copying original work from others and suggests critical thinking classes and writing analysis software as the most viable solutions.

The principal problems with over-reliance on technology are people being unable to think for themselves and plagiarism. With access to so much information, students often rely on other people’s opinions instead of forming their own. As well as this, they often use search engines to answer a question and copy the text from a website rather than thinking about the question. This practice is prohibited in schools and universities and stunts students’ intellectual development because they will never truly think for themselves, which is what university is supposed to be for. For example, many teachers complain that students copy web pages straight from Wikipedia word for word rather than giving a reasoned answer to their questions.

Solutions to these worrying problems are special classes to focus on critical thinking and teachers using anti-plagiarism software to detect copying. If teachers create situations where students have to infer meaning and express opinions based on a small amount of information, this will ensure that students have an opportunity to develop these skills. Also, if students know that their assignments are being checked for plagiarism, this will be enough to deter them from doing so. For instance, many universities already use this kind of software to scan coursework for plagiarism, and it could be extended to include all homework by learners in both secondary and tertiary education.

In conclusion, the main problems with the overuse of technology in education are the lack of original thought and plagiarism. These can be solved through special classes that teach students analytical skills and plagiarism detection software.

For more detail on how to answer problem and solution questions please visit our  problem and solution lesson . 

Two-Part Questions

There will normally be a statement, and they will then ask you to answer separate questions.

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.

What factor contributes to job satisfaction?

How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

2- Outline Sentence (mention both questions)

1- Answer first question directly

2- Explain why

3- Further explain

1- Answer second question directly

As most adults spend most of their time at work, being content with your career is a crucial part of a person’s health and happiness. This essay will first suggest fair pay as a key element leading to job satisfaction, and it will then state that it is not very likely that everyone can be happy with their job.

The most important thing that satisfies someone at work is being compensated fairly. If those more senior than you respect you as a person and the job you are doing, then you feel like you are valued. A fair salary and benefits are important marks of respect, and if you feel you are being underpaid, you will either resent your bosses or look for another job. These two factors came top of a recent job satisfaction survey conducted by Monster.com, which found that 72% of people were pleased with their current role if their superiors regularly told them they were appreciated.

With regard to the question of happiness for all workers, I think this is and always will be highly unlikely. The vast majority of people fail to reach their goals and end up working in a post they don’t really care about in return for a salary. This money is just enough to pay their living expenses which often means they are trapped in a cycle of disenchantment. For example, The Times recently reported that 89% of office workers would leave their jobs if they did not need the money.

In conclusion, being satisfied with your trade or profession is an important part of one’s well-being, and respect from one’s colleagues and fair pay can improve your level of happiness; however, job satisfaction for all workers is an unrealistic prospect.

Can I get a band 8 or 9 following these structures? 

Nobody can give you a Task 2 IELTS structure that guarantees high scores. Your score is dependent on how good your grammar and vocabulary are and how well you answer the question. A good structure will help you answer the question to some extent and boost your score for coherence and cohesion, but you must use relevant ideas and use these ideas well to answer the question.

You can see how my student scored a Band 8.5 in IELTS Writing here:

Next Steps 

We hope you found those IELTS Writing Task 2 structures useful. Looking for some more sample questions? Here are over 100 sample questions from past exam papers.

If you would personalised feedback and guidance until you get the score you need, you can join the Waiting List for my VIP Course here.

About Christopher Pell

My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.

I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.

IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

• Test Information FAQ
• Band Scores
• IELTS Candidate Success Tips
• Computer IELTS: Pros & Cons
• How to Prepare
• Useful Links & Resources
• Recommended Books
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2
• Speaking Part 1 Topics
• Speaking Part 2 Topics
• Speaking Part 3 Topics
• 100 Essay Questions
• On The Day Tips
• Top Results
• Advanced IELTS

IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay Planning Tips

IELTS essay planning tips. Learn how to plan your IELTS essay successfully. Learn how to use your time to plan ideas and paragraphs as well as other essential aspects of your IELTS essay.

Should I spend time planning my essay?

Yes, you should. 50% of your marks as based on your ability to answer the essay question directly, present relevant ideas, have clear supporting points to extend the main ideas, to organise your ideas and have logical paragraphing. So, spending time planning is essential for any student aiming for band score 6, 7, 8 or 9.

When you get to writing task 2, you will be tired. You will already have done the listening test, reading test and writing task 1. This means your concentration and energy levels will be low. It is easy to make a mistake with the essay question, lose focus in your writing and present disorganised ideas. This is another reason why planning is so important. It helps you focus and create a clear strategy with clear ideas. This will make writing your essay easier and help you write a strong essay.

How much time should I spend planning?

Some teachers will tell you to plan for at least 10 minutes. This is good advice but I know what most students are too nervous to spend so much time planning. Other teachers advise students to spend about 3 minutes. This is enough to plan main ideas but not to plan supporting points and to organise ideas.

I advise you to spend at least 5 minutes planning. You must practice planning your essay and calculate how long it really takes you to create a strong plan for your essay. Whatever you decide, know that planning is critical. Lack of planning is the common downfall of most students.

What should I plan before I start writing?

You should have a clear outline of the following before you start your essay:

• identifying the issues in the essay question
• brainstorming main points
• choosing the best main points
• planning supporting points
• organising paragraphs

Should I practice planning my essays at home before my test?

Yes, definitely. There is a skill to good logical essay planning which you need to practice. On this blog, I have over 100 essay questions for IELTS writing task 2. While it might be difficult to practice writing over 100, you should certainly spend time planning a lot of them even if you don’t have time to write the full essay. The better you are at planning, the better your essay will be. See the link below for essay questions.

Where can I write my plan?

You can write your plan on the question paper. There is plenty of room to write on the question paper and the examiner will not see it. The examiner only sees the answer sheet. So, use the question paper to plan your essay.

I have seen many high level students with very good English fail to get band score 7, not because of their English, but because of their poor essay planning. Don’t let that happen to you! Plan your essay thoroughly before you start writing your essay.

Recommended

• Band Scores 5 to 8 Explained for Writing Task 2
• Over 100 Essay Questions for IELTS
• Essay Ideas for Writing Task 2
• All Writing Task 2 Lessons & Tips

Get my free lessons by email

Subscribe for free to get my new IELTS lessons sent to your email inbox.

Email Address

Thank you Liz for all you do for us. Please I wrote an essay on this topic; Some people think that the government is wasting money on the arts and that this money could be better spent elsewhere. To what extent do you agree with this. Most people believe that the government spends a lot of money on the arts and that the money could be invested in something better. In my opinion,I agree that the government spends a lot of money on arts than investing in health. Firstly,health is an aspect of an individual’s life that deals with a state of well being either physically, emotionally, socially and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Health encompasses the state of being free from sickness but the government does not invest well on this aspect as can be seen in the areas where there are no rehabilitation centres or programmes to help persons in the society who may be recovering from mental stress or sickness,to help them adapt well into the society,neither are there good hospitals and facilities to improve people’s health and well being. Some hospitals lack essential equipments that is necessary to carry out investigations and sometimes the hospitals make use of worn-out instruments which gives false readings and hence leading to judgement of a wrong diagnosis. On the one hand, the government maps out huge amount of money to be used on arts,artworks, exhibitions and displays . She also redecorates the museum always and forgets some important aspect of of every individual’s life. Yes,it is true that the museum should be in good shape and function so that the crafts and old artifacts in it will be preserved but if the people that would utilize it are not with good health, of what essence is it? In conclusion, I would recommend that less money should be spent by the government on arts and more invested in science , technology and health so as to create a balance and improve the lives of the people.

Please help to rate it let me know how much I need to practice. Thank you.

Children brought up in families with less money are better prepared for life than those from whealthy families? To what extend do you agree or disagree?

Ans- childhood is a age when children learn useful skills and with its help make their future better . Some people think that pupils from middle class familiea are provident for their future comparing to those belong from prosperous families . However, in my point of view ,family financial status alone cannot impact much on children future prepration

On the one hand ,children from poor families know the conditions of their family life and they donot waste money . Poor family students often seen doing best in school ans universities . However ,some children from middle class families donot get proper financial support from their family and will not able to take admission in finer school and college . children from poor families work somewhere to fulfil their needs that donot provide them much time for studies.

On the other hand, pupils from rich families often seen in parties ,pubs and clubs .They donot care for money because their families have enough money to give them facilities to join superior university and can hire personal tutor. Needless to say, that not every child belong form wealty family is week in studies and donot care for their future.

In conclusion, it is often seen that children from middle class families are much aware comparing to those belong from high class families .But i personally believe that, family conditions alone cannot allow pupils to take decision for future .Family environment ,parents behaviour and student own thinking ability also play a crucial role to be prepared for future

Please tell me that how many band this essay can get i will be happy if you reply😊

Hi liz Thank you so much for your website I have a question and hope you could help me asap. I’m close to my exam but confused. You know far better than me one criterion for band 7 8 is that “each paragraph focuses on one central topic” . I saw an IELTS learning video says do not put two three points in one paragraph base on law above. It will lower your score. That says just tell one, then explain it and finally give an example. So, is it true? In your videos you are putting some numbers of reasons in a paragraph (showing them with firstly, secondly, one problem, another issue). Although you extended every points, it is not against rule of “one central topic on one paragraph”?! Is not several topic?

I will be grateful if you answer. I used to your method as more answers give the chance to write more to reach 250 word limit and in my level, extending just one topic could not be that easy. What do you think? Thanks.

I can understand your confusion. The band score descriptors do say “each paragraph focused on one central topic”. For example, all advantages in one paragraph is a central topic – it is a collection of advantages. This is 100% normal for IELTS and does come under the category of central topic. Paragraphing in IELTS is very largely about logic. I hope this helps.

I have two more days for my IELTS and I`ve realized that I`m nowhere close to scoring more than 6 due to lack of my preparation.I’m relying on your videos and whatever I score, I owe it to you. I found your videos and you are my savior. Thank you Liz.

Use your two days carefully. Make sure you review this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-help-faq/ and also read this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-exam-tips-on-the-day/ . Make a short list of other things to check. Good luck!

Thank you for this amazing IELTS source. I have struggle with generating ideas for writing task-2. My mind always goes to writing fancy ideas but it ends with not organizing my thoughts properly. Could you please tell me how to organize ideas?How to simple simple and find relevant ideas?

Organising ideas is about technique. Gaining ideas is about learning ideas. For technique, see my Advanced Lessons. For ideas see my Ideas E-book: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Hi dear Liz I used to think it is incorrect to mention ” I will discuss ” in an academic essay until two weeks ago that I was told by my Ielts tutor that I “must” use the pronoun “I” in my IELTS writing task 2. I was wondering what is the correct answer?

That is 100% untrue. If the instructions ask for your opinion, you must give it. The only way to write your personal opinion in English is to write: I think or I believe or In my opinion or I agree etc. So, you must use “I” if the instructions call for it. If the instructions do not call for it, you don’t use it. Just follow the instructions. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Hello Liz I’m Alphonse Taju from Cameroon. I appreciate ur wonderful work here. Infact it’s really helping me through my preparation. I’m so privileged to have come to know this blog.

Pls is there a link which explains other forms of task 2 essay questions apart from opinion essay?? Thanks in advance for ur reply

Click on “Writing task 2” on the RED BAR at the top of the website.

Hello Liz, Do we get higher band score for better ideas ? If I maintain the structure and give supporting points along with examples, will it still not boost the band score? Please advise mam

All your answers are found on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Hi Liz, I am Nitin Singh from India. I read your blog posts & article about tips to get high score in IELTS exam. Your viewpoints are really worth to follow and your suggestions are really good. I was doing practice for IELTS general writing task 2 by writing essays. When I saw few examples, I found a line “This essay will first discuss about advantages of and then outline about disadvantages” (for an essay about advantages or disadvantages) . This line “This essay will first discuss……and then…..” was written in all different type of essays (Opinion/Advantages or disadvantages/Discussion etc). My question- is it OK to write this line in all types of messages? Will it make structure of my essay better to get more score? Kindly guide me.

This is an English test. You are marked on your ability to create your own sentences.

Would mind showing us an example how do you plan an essay? Maybe you could use an essay from the suggested 100.

My full writing task 2 lessons are my advanced lessons: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

I want to purchase your all videos but I live in Turkey ,Paypal is forbidden here . I need to buy ıf there is another method , for example I have credıt card. You have mentioned about your site but ı could not find this method to buy it.

Please help me.

Using either an account or card is fine, but paypal will process the transaction. Try asking a friend elsewhere to buy the lessons for you.

The last link in this article is linked to a 404 (not found) page.

Thanks for letting me know – I fixed it.

Thank you so much for all your tutorials. I found them very beneficial. I am currently practicing Writing Task 2 GT and I would like to see sample answers to some of the common essay questions. Is there a link for that?

Thanks again Nadine

You can find essay questions here: https://ieltsliz.com/100-ielts-essay-questions/ . you can find all tips, lessons and model essays here: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Hello Liz mam I revently had a discussion with a ielts trainer near my house.He said you can get a high band score only if u write factual information.For example write international examples, write dates of events related to information of your topic. He said start reading newspaper for this..google search etc. What should i do? I AM TOTALLY CONFUSED

The examiner does not check dates or facts. Do you really think the examiner reads your task 2 essay and then researches your data? Of course not. The examiner will mark you on the following band requirements: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2-band-scores-5-to-8/ . Accuracy of data is not part of the writing task 2 marking criteria. Also see my model essays on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Hello Liz Mam I use very long sentences during my ielts writing practise. Please give me some tios for better writing and a good score.

I am currently writing a grammar list e-book for writing task 2 – I hope to have it ready to purchase in a couple of months. Long sentences are not always good. You should be limiting the length and selecting different types of sentence structures.

Hello Liz, I am interested with the book. Could you notify me, when it is ready to purchase. You can send me the email.

I’ll post a notice on this site when it’s ready. I’m hoping to have it ready by March or April. Sorry it can’t be sooner.

Can I write task 2 essay entirely based on personal experience?

It is a formal essay so keep a formal content.

Hello Liz my question is that it is very difficult to me to analyze many questions in writing task 2 . I don’t know how to write introduction paragraph in a good way . Similarly, planning brainstorm ideas, and how to describe it with example, mentioning topic sentence is more difficult for me. Please Liz help me about this issue I am very weak in ielts task 2. I am unable to get good marks in writing. How can I get at least 6.5 in ielts writing thank you ..

It sounds like you need to learn step by step. I suggest you get one of my advanced writing task 2 lessons. They are not cheap but they will answer your questions and help you see more clearly and write an essay more easily: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Hi Liz I want to know how much panulty made on grammatical mistakes both inWT-1 and 2

Grammar counts for 25% of your marks in writing. Your grammar is assessed by range and accuracy.

Hey Liz , I have my exam within 3 days . I would like to know, do they reduced the score if cancel out or strike out your mistake and rewrite in above it . It looks shabby atimes . Could please answer my question .

If the examiner can easily read your writing, it’s fine. If the examiner can’t easily read your writing, it will impact your score.

1.So the strike words or crossed words will be ignore and not affect the score right as long as it can be read ? 2.Also can I put a small arrow “^” to indicate the word have replaced is it wrong or right ? 3. Neat and non strike essay increase your band score .

Thank for the reply Could please answer these questions too.

I don’t know what you mean by non-strike essay. This is not an English term. You can alter mistakes, insert new words and as long as it is clear, it won’t affect your score.

This tip will really help me to manage my time in writing . All your lessons were also great help to me to prepare for the exam . Thank you so much 🙂

First of all thank you for such useful tips. My question is, Does poor hand writing affect getting a good band? My hand writing is not very clear no matter how hard I try, it never looks pretty on paper. Please advise.

Many thanks Sajid

If the examiner can’t read it, you will get a low score.

Liz I was wondering if I could write some samples for the writing tasks both 1 and 2 and send you for comments and suggestions. Would that be all right? How would I mail them to you? I missed out on my required band score just by 0.5 getting a 6.5 instead of 7 so I really need to improve it! Thanks.

I’m so sorry but I don’t offer that service.

I wish to confirm few things from you regarding TASK-2 in GT. 1) If in the Question, it’s not mentioned to give relevant examples and we quotes them, will we be marked negatively on that? 2) In my previous exams, I wrote approx 390-400 words and I got 6.5…was I marked negatively if I exceed the limit ?

1) it’s fine to use examples when you want 2) a long essay will produce more errors and be less focused – so it will not help your score. You should aim for between 270 and 290 words for task 2 with no errors (this means spending time proof reading).

Hi Liz. Wanted to know regarding the writing task 1 do we give any opinion or suggestion or possible explanation for the graph/pie figures or only describe the data?

You NEVER give an opinion. Task 1 is a factual report based on the information given – not your views. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/

Hi Liz, Thank you for your help. I normally come up with good answers ( main points ) and examples ; however, I found out that my weak point is to develop supporting points. can you talk more about this part please?

Thanks Abdu

People think supporting points are special and different ideas. Your body paragraph should contain a topic sentence which is your main point. All sentences after that explain your main point in more detail – that’s all. Supporting sentences are just more details.

Dear Liz, Just now I bought your Advanced lessons to improve my writing skill. I took IELTS GT last month and got 6.5 in writing. I want to get 7. Hope I would get 7 in next sitting after studying your advanced lesson. If you have any special advice for students those who are struck on 6.5, please do share with us

Here are some pointers: 1. Avoid errors in grammar or vocab. This means – don’t make your sentences too long, keep them accurate, don’t use words you are not 100% sure about. Aim for accuracy and don’t try to impress. 2. This is a language test. That means each sentence is unique to you and your essay. Don’t use learned expressions or phrases, such as “this essay will discuss the …” 3. Address all issues in the question and follow the instructions. Never add anything that isn’t asked for. 4. Learn from my advanced lessons. I’m sure you will have your eyes opened.

Hi Liz, I found out your blog while searching for IELTS tips on the internet. Thank you very much for this resourceful and very helpful blog. This is just what I was looking for. Since I’m preparing by myself, I was afraid of the process of studying. Your blog is a guide for me from now on. Thank you very much!!

I’m glad you found my website. Remember , the more you understand about the test, the less confused you will feel and the more your confidence will grow 🙂 Good luck!

Hi Mam, Good day to you. could you please give your opinion that, which book is right choice to buy? Is it Cambridge IELTS 11 or 12 Academic?

They are both fine. Book 12 is more recent.

Thank you so much . You are the best !

Hi Mam, Is it advisable to use pencil for the task 2 in the academic?

It’s your choice entirely in the writing test. What do you feel most comfortable using?

I think that using pencil will make me to write without any mistakes I mean in case if i need to correct it can easily handle . Do I need to make sure that my entire writing is neat? Is that more important?

It needs to be easy for the examiner to read.

I think I understand how to write an essay before I write it.

Hi Liz, Have you covered your lessons, tips and lectures in a book? If so, how and where can I find it. A book would be really helpful. Thanks

I don’t have a book but I do have advanced writing task 2 lessons: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Hi Liz, I recently took my IELTS exam and I got a 6.5 on my Writing and I was aiming for at least a 7.0. As I was taking my Writing exam, I had trouble with time. I wrote an introduction, 2 body paragraphs and a conclusion but the words weren’t enough. Also, due to the topic, which I was not familiar with (Space Tourism) and the time constraint, I wasn’t able to organize my thoughts completely. Before I took the test, I was chatting with some of the other test takers and one of them said that she planned to do the Task 2 first and never mind if she doesn’t answer the Task 1 well or AT ALL. I was wondering if this is a good exam strategy. Should I answer the Task 2 first then get to my Task 1 after IF I have more time? What if I don’t get to finish my Task 1 because I spent too much time trying to pass my Task 2? Since in the Writing Test, Task 2 has a bigger point percentage than Task 1.

You can decide which one to do first. But to decide that task 1 isn’t worth much is wrong. It is worth 33% of your marks – that’s quite a lot. You should be training yourself to do task 2 in 40 mins and task 1 in 20 mins. You should be practising this at home. The topic of space tourism is well known in IELTS and it is listed on my essay questions page: https://ieltsliz.com/100-ielts-essay-questions/ . This means you didn’t prepare all the topics sufficiently. Start preparing ideas for common topics and recent topics: http://www.ieltsliz.com/recent-ielts-questions-and-topics and also practise timing.

Hi liz thank you very much for the very nice level of the information you are giving to us. i have one point which is really confusing me always in task 2 writing . for example, the video that you posted in you tube about single sex schools VS mixed schools or the essays which have the same way of presentation. should i mention advantages and disadvantages of the single sex schools and then go to the mixed schools paragraph and again mention advantages and disadvantages. or i should plan my essay by writing FIRSTLY the advantages of the single sex schools and then mixed schools and SECONDLY the disadvantages of the single sex schools and mixed schools. or i should mention only the advantages of both kind of schools in 2 paragraphs. thank you

I posted a video about ideas for co-ed schools or single sex schools – only the ideas. You must use those ideas appropriately for the essay question. I suggest you start looking at model essays and other tips: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Dear Lize, First, i am extremely appreciating what you did for us as IELTS success seekers. I had so mush of your tips and lessons through the last few months. I did my IELTS test on 13th May 2017. I thing my performance in Reading, Writing and Speaking was OK (thanks to your videos and tips), however, i don’t think my grade in Listing will be as i was wishing. For the Writing test: Task 1: write a letter responding to Airline company survey about your last trip with them. how you heard about them, what did you like and what is your recommendations. Task 2: some people thing that employees at the age of 60 or 65 should be retired, but others think they shouldn’t be released until they choose to. what is your opinion? for the Speaking test: after the casual introduction. where you live and what you like about it, do you wish to stay living there and why? speak about a situation when you tried new foreign food, when and where, what did like and dislike. Do you like shoes? do you think that people expend so much on shoes, do people choose based on where it made? and why? choosing based on where it made, is it discrimination? why and why not? My results will be after 13 days. Please wish me luck.

Thanks for sharing 🙂 Good luck!!

Hi Liz, i have been following your webpage from a week and very thankful for your prompt replies and valuable suggestions. Im currently using this blog for my GT prepration. Below i have made an attempt to task1 above assuming it to be formal, i may be wrong but appreciate your quick comments and suggestions. If you were an examiner, what band do you give. Sorry but im curious here. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Sir, My name is Jagan. I have come across your advertisement and considered your airliner for one of my recent trip to London. I am writing this letter in response to your survey request to prvide my feedback followed by some recommendations.

I have booked my travel ticket using your webpage. It is very intutive and well organised. I personally liked the way you have communicated the flight departure information with all germane details.

I also liked and enjoyed the inside ambience of your aircraft that was clean and hygenic. Arrangements like magazines, music CDs and ear phones are much appreciated. The onboard crew’s response and politeness is impressive. The food was delicious and served with care.

Having enjoyed my travel, I would like to recommend availabilty of general physician onboard who could help the passengers with high altitude numbness and vomiting sensations. It would be great to increase the limit of water bottles to two from one.

I hope my recommendations will help you to serve better.

Yours Faithfully, Jagan Mudinendla ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks in advance….

Thanks Liz… your tips and lectures were amazing…. i jut prepared for two days from your blog and did very well in today’s exams… but not sure about speaking..

I’m glad to hear it went well for you. I’ll keep my fingers crossed you get a good score in speaking 🙂

hello mam, while writing in task 1 and task 2 should I underline with pencil the main points???????

Not in your writing, no. The examiner will know the main points because of the way you organise your essay. Purchase my advanced lessons if you need training: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore

Good afternoon liz

When we get an opinion type of essay, after brainstorming ideas and the selection of relevant ideas how can we for the explanation ? Do you have any method to explain our ponits / arguments?

Each body paragraph states one reason why you have your opinion. Each body paragraph presents one main point with explanation and detail to support or explain your view.

Hi Liz!! Can we use citations of authorities, of the news, science or just “most psycologist state that children…” as supporting points in Essay 2? I´m afraid about my arguments..

You are not marked on evidence or facts. You are marked on your language and your explanations which support your ideas. Just explain it in your own words.

great articles indeed

Hopefully next month 🙂

FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE AND THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL WORK ON THIS SITE. THIS IS GREAT HELP FOR THE CANDIDATES.

IF YOU COULD POSSIBLY ANSWER ONE QUESTION I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THAT CAN I USE UNCOMMON VOCABULARY WHILE ATTEMPTING TASK 2 FOR EXAMPLE WORDS LIKE “ACQUIESCE ” IN STEAD OF AGREE ? AND IS THE PASSIVE VOICE MORE ACCEPTABLE FOR TASK 2?

Uncommon vocabulary is fine to use when it is appropriate but it will not give you a higher score when you use is inappropriately. In normal essay writing for IELTS, we do not write “acquiesce”, however we do use “agree”. Be appropriate at all times – any use of inappropriate vocabulary will lower your score. The passive voice is used when it is appropriate, for example “it is thought that” instead of “people think that”.

Thanks for your reply

I have an ambition to score 9 bands. Is it possible? If yes please give some tips.

Band 9 is possible if you have excellent English and understand IELTS thoroughly.

Hello Thanks for your useful website in Writing task2,what should we do if we would not know the meaning of the keyword.for example,if the topic asks us to explain our opinion about Anorixia(one of my friend`s topic) would you please guide me?

This is a difficult situation. In writing task 2, you are being marked on your ability to address all the issues in the essay question. If you don’t understand the words, you won’t get a high score. There is nothing you can do except try to guess the meaning and write your essay as closely to the topic as you can. Each exam is a gamble in some way as you can’t predict the topics which is why some students take more than one test.

Hi mam My ielts exam date 4 August 2016 Please send me some information writing task 2 questions

https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Hello liz.. I want to know about the singular and plural answers in listening.. if I could just catch the word and not the tense.. for example waiter and waiters.. what should I do. Can I write the answer using a slash for example.. waiter/waiters or a bracket like waiter(s)… to be on a safer side….

You write one answer.

Hi mam, I have an advise for everyone, please read the question at least three time .Then only you will understand the question clearly.

Good advice. Not only read it three times but underline key words in the question to ensure your essay addresses all parts of the task.

Hi mam can u please give me an example about how actually u prepare ur plan brainstorming for eassy give me some example so that i can practise a bit please?

See my advanced lessons which explain how to analyse the essay question and organise ideas: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore

Dear Liz Is it right if I have my topic sentence in the middle or at the end of a paragraph? I mean “starting the paragraph with explanation or supporting ideas, then putting the topic sentence if it is possible to logically and grammatically add it”. Will it increase my overall band score? I’m looking forward to hearing you at your earliest convenience. Thanks in advance

https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/

Mam can I write an idiom in the conclusion.. like for example.. in conclusion, I am of the opinion that children should be given formal education at school as it is the ‘need of the hour’.

Mam I also wish to know.. recently I appeared for an ielts exam. General category.. my essay question was Newspaper and music I available for free on internet. Is it a positive or negative trend? I should write both the advantages and disadvantages if I am not wrong.. (the question is not completely the same but near it for sure)

Just answer the question: do you think it is a positive trend or do you think it is a negative trend?

https://ieltsliz.com/using-quotes-or-idioms-in-your-ielts-essay/

hi😊 good day., i am practicing myself on the writing area where i only got a 5.5 score on my first ielts exam., i will retake ielts on saturday ( jan. 23) please help me do better to get a band score of at least 6 here is a writing on what i have done in a full 40 mins… >>there seems to be an increasing number of serious crimes committed each year. while some think the best way is to use the death penalty as a deterrant , many people believe that other measures will be needed. discuss both sides. it seems taht there is a growing number of serius crimes committed each year cycle. a number of people believe that the most effective method as a deterrent is to use the death penalty, on the other hand , people think that there are other measures that will be needed. death penalty have been implemented in some countries like china, uae and malaysia. by this punishment, people in their country are afraid to commit a crime. they are afraid to be caught and be put into death. though, there are still some who have committed crimes. before the day of their scheduled death penalty, their family members were the ones who were trying to convince the government to give them another chance and forgive the culprit. but having mercy with the relatives will not hinder the official to push through the punishment & abide to their law. another were the tourists. they have commited a crime because they are unaware of the law and their practices that such death penalty is being used in their country. though they are unaware, they are still unexcused to acquire the said penalty. as tonwhat the law states ” ignorance of the law excuses no one ” . many have witnessed death penalty is really implemented and no one is exempted because they are just following the law. thus, many people believe that death penalyty is the best method to reduce the number of crimes annually. however , other believe that other measures will be needed to control the increasing number of crimes. such measures are putting the culprit into jail,and also having the person person pay the damages he has done. this punishment will give the suspect a little chance to put right what he has done wrong. by this methods, the person will realize that it is not easy to be in prisonned and to pay a big amount of money. he is internalizing that he will not commit a crime agaiin because he is now suffering inside the cell and in paying a big amount of money, it is a big lost for the person. by this methods, folks will be aware that if you will commit a crime there is a certain punishment that would be given to you. this will be a factor to decrease the crimes that is happening in a year. 😊please have time to read it and please give comments on my weaknesses . thank you 😄

Mam I am confused about writing the main paragraphs of the essay , please help me on that

I have two questions

1. Even though I use a pencil, I keep missing words or phrases in the middle of sentences, which I notice later. What I always do is use the following arrow sign to add the info – ” ^ ” on top. But is it forbidden to use this technique in the IELTS exam?

2. Does neatness matter?

I am looking forward to your reply. And I really wanted to thank you for helping all of us prepare for this exam.

I bought 3 of your videos and I watched discussion essay video today. I have a query writing one sided discussion essays. As per video tutorial, in BP1, you have given your opinion along with others’ view and in BP2, opinions of people for other side . But is it not required to mention why we are not choosing the second opinion?

I am practising sample discussion essay questions now. Your video helped me a lot.

Thanks and Regards, Pallavi

If the question was “To what extent do you agree” you should certainly explain why you don’t agree with the other side because your whole essay is about giving your opinion in lots of detail. However, this is a discussion essay with an opinion. That means the opinion takes up only 30% of the whole essay. You don’t have enough words to explain why you support one side and also why you don’t support the other side. For this reason, the structures I have suggested work best. All the best Liz

I got your point now. Thanks for the detailed explanation.

Regards, Pallavi

My question is , is there any word limit for writing example in writing task 2. How many examples we can write in writing task 2.

Don’t write more than one for each main points. It is unnecessary to write more. Liz

Thanks for the wonderful information. I have a question, what tense shall I choose in writings task 2? Can I choose more than one tense? What about passive and active voices? And what shall I use?

See my model essays for writing task 2 can count the number of tenses I use. All the best Liz

Dear Liz Thanks for the reply in which you recommended me your video lesson on task conclusion /overview. But my problem is that I can’t open any of your video lessons. Don’t know how to get it open. If u could kindly help or if I can find these lessons in written form Thanks and regards

All my videos are hosted with youtube. The information is only contained on the videos. Sorry Liz

Dear Liz Do we have to write conclusion in task 1????? Waiting for your valuable reply

Please see this lesson: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-tips-conclusion-or-overview-for-writing-task-1/ Liz

Hello, I found in some Ielts task 2 questions of writing this sort of sentence : “Do you have any reservations?” or similar. Can you please explain me what this means Thanks

There is no IELTS writing task 2 question like that. You should only be using IELTS Cambridge test papers to practice writing. All the best Liz

Dear teacher, Should we use these terms: 1. However, we should not turn a blind eye to the unexpected outcomes, one of which is the… 2. This is not to say that… / Those who harbor the view that…would argue that…

Certainly don’t use the first one. You can’t memorise a whole sentence or 17 words together and pretend that they are your own. The examiner will know that you have memorised that language and will not count it. For the other examples, they are shorter and more flexible so are fine. All the best Liz

Thanks a lot for your advice 🙂 I also find this kind of question confusing: ‘Do you think this is a positive or negative development?’ do I discuss both sides along with giving my opinion? or should I focus on my chosen view?

I don’t know how to explain it more clearly. It does not ask for both, it does not say “and”. It says “or” which means you choose. Your opinion is your choice and is the only task given to you. The whole essay is your answer. You chose one and explain it. All the best Liz

Thank you so much for your fantastic website. For the essays that ask for the reasons of a specific problem as well as the solutions, can we include the solution at the end of each paragraph that starts with the topic of the reasons of the problem? If not, how can we arrange the paragraphs if we want to offer more than one solution? What I usually do is: introduction, 1st reason or main point in the 1st paragraph, 2nd reason in the other paragraph, and one solution that is included in conclusion. Is that okay? Also, I usually, write my thesis as: “This essay will explore the reasons of this issue as well as the solutions.” In this way, I try to attract the reader’s attention to follow the essay for my reasons and solutions, Is that okay or do I need to mention the specific reasons and solutions in my thesis? I’m a bit confused, would you please advise?

Thank you in advance

Always keep your paragraphing clear and logical. One body paragraph – reason(s) and one body paragraph for the solution(s). All the best Liz

Dear mam, I have just found your website and it’s very important every ielts test takers as I. So I first thank for you. I had five times ielts general module exam and unfortunately, every time I have received 5.5 for reading and listening how can I improve my score up to 7 for both .

Try this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-tips-how-can-i-improve-my-score/ Liz

Respected Madame, Greetings to you.I got my UKVI IELTS Academic results just today.Unfortunate enough,I scored only 6.5 in writing module where I was requiring and expecting band 7.Additionally,I scored 7 in speaking and 8 in both reading and listening.I need to achieve band 7 in each module and overall for my NMC registration in U.K.. Albeit,I am contemplating on re-evaluation but am dithering about it for the fact that it takes 7 weeks for the outcome.Therefore,I request your valuable opinion regarding re-evaluation and the chances of getting band 7 from 6.5 when evaluated by a senior British examiner. In anticipation. Your faithfully, Bobby. P.S.: kindly oblige me by evaluating my leter.

You could consider a remark for writing if you can answer “yes” to the following questions: Task 1 1. did you write a clear overview in task 1? Did your overview contain ALL key features? 2. Did you avoid the conclusion? It isn’t needed. 3. Did you support your body paragraph with facts, dates and numbers, if you had a chart, table or graph? 4. Did you write over 150 words? If you didn’t don’t bother with a remark. Task 2 5. Did you write a clear answer to the essay question in your introduction? If you were asked for an opinion, did you put it in the introduction? 6. Did you write over 250 words? If you didn’t, don’t bother with a remark. 7. Did each body paragraph have a clear central topic? 8. Did you use a range of linking devices? If you use a reasonable range, it’s ok. 9. Did you finish your essay? Did you write a conclusion? If you didn’t don’t bother with a remark. 10. Did you over paraphrase? Did you try to change words too much which produces too many errors?

Hopefully that will help you make the right decision. It is possible to get an increase of 0.5 in one skill. But it does depend on your performance relating to the above points. All the best Liz

I need your suggestion as I’m unable to figure out where I am losing the score.

S-6.5, R-7.5, L-7.5, W-7.0 (1st attempt, 13 Jun) S-8.0, R-8.0, L-8.0, W-6.0 (2nd attempt, 27 Jun)

As I needed at least a 7 in each section, I knew it after 1st attempt that I’d messed it up in Speaking and immediately booked the next available date.

However, in next one as you can see, my score has dropped by an entire band (7.0 to 6.0) in Writing, though, the score went up in all the other sections.

As far as Writing goes, I think I’ve lost marks in task achievement section.

It was a double essay question and I did follow your paraphrasing techniques in the introduction as well as conclusion.

Also, made sure that I’ve directly answered both the questions.

But was not confident after exam in task achievement criteria.

Moreover, I’ve booked next exam in 2 weeks and need your suggestion on the things that I should concentrate on to get at least a 7 in Writing.

The problem with writing could lie in either task 1, task 2 or both. You mention Task Achievement but this is for task 1 not task 2. Task Response is for task 2. You need to learn more about how your writing is assessed and what the examiner is looking for. See my band score pages in the writing sections.

Also ask yourself these questions: Task 1 1. Did you write an overview? 2. Did the overview contain ALL key features? 3. Did you avoid the conclusion? 4. Did you use the right grammar, the right vocabulary and the right linking devices for the type of task? 5. Did you have two body paragraphs? 6. Did you avoiding giving too much detail? 7. Did you write over the word count?

If you answer “yes” to all the above questions, the problem might be writing task 2. You will need to review all lessons. It is a shame to book your next test in only two weeks when you don’t know where your problem lies. However, hopefully you will be successful and work on your weaknesses. All the best Liz

After you’ve pointed out, it indeed sounds silly that I’ve booked anothe exam before understanding my weaknesses.

Thanks for sharing this valuable advice.

Don’t worry. If you spend time trying to sort out your weak points, you can still do well 🙂

Speak Your Mind Cancel reply

Notify me of new posts by email.

Advanced IELTS Lessons & E-books

Recent Lessons

Introduction paragraph for ielts writing task 1, ielts speaking part 2 topic water sports: vocab & model answer, ielts liz personal update 2024, ielts model essay -two questions essay type, ielts bar chart of age groups 2024.

Click Below to Learn:

• IELTS Test Information

Copyright Notice

Copyright © Elizabeth Ferguson, 2014 – 2024

All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

• Click here:  Privacy Policy 
• Click here: Disclaimer

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2024 · Prose on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

The official IELTS by IDP app is here! Download it today.

• IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic assesses how well you can use English in an academic environment.

IELTS General training

Students applying to high schools or vocational training programs in English-speaking countries might need to take this test.

If you would like to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level in the UK, you can take IELTS UKVI.

IELTS One Skill Retake

Didn't get the band score you require? Check to see if you're eligible for a One Skill Retake.

English self-assessment tool

Check your language level and get personalised suggestions on how to improve your English and prepare for IELTS.

Get your results

Check your provisional IELTS results online and do more.

IELTS Community

Join the IELTS community and meet with other IELTS test takers from all over the world!

Had a great and memorable experience with IELTS - IFI. The staffs are supportive and very accommodating. Venue is stellar and conducive for testing. Not to mention, the online review is comprehensive and mock exam is absolutely helpful.

Gabriel Yumul

Ielts reading test: how to manage your time.

Grammar 101: Affect vs. Effect

Grammar 101: Understanding verb tenses

IELTS General Training, Writing Task 1: How to write a letter

Ielts writing task 2: how to write a good introduction.

IELTS Writing Task 2: 8 steps towards a band 8

In IELTS Writing Task 2, you will need to write an essay. Let our IELTS Experts walk you through 8 steps that can help you get a band 8. Take a closer look at the assessment criteria, how to structure your essay and common mistakes to avoid.

Content Tags

To achieve a band 8 in IELTS  Writing Task 2 , you will need to produce an essay that contains all the positive features contained in the band 8 writing assessment criteria. Let's take a look at these in the table below.  

Using the band descriptors as a guide we are going to go through the 8 steps to get you on your way to a band 8 in Writing Task 2.  

We will start with the task response before moving through all the criteria to show you what an examiner will be looking for in your response.

Step 1: Answer is relevant to the question

Answer what you have been asked in the question. Don’t produce an essay that is close to a topic you have previously prepared. Make sure your examples and ideas are relevant. If you generalise too much and are not specific enough this will affect how your ideas are presented to the examiner.  

Make sure your ideas are directly related to the question  

Use ideas and examples that you are familiar with, and that relate directly to the topic 

Extend your answer to include a number of ideas that will support the question.  

Don't: 

Include irrelevant information  

Over-generalise  

Produce a memorised essay  

Present ‘recent’ research or statistics related to the topic “At least 41% of all men…”

Step 2: Answer all parts of the question

You must read the question carefully and decide how many parts are in it. You must answer all parts of the question to reach a band 6 or higher.  

Let’s look at some example IELTS question prompts and see how many parts are in each, if you need to present your opinion. Remember, it is very important to present a clear position when answering the statement to show that you understand the question being asked and to keep that position clear throughout the essay.

Read the question carefully and decide how many parts are in it 

Present your opinion and support it throughout the whole essay 

If asked to present both views, make sure each view is presented equally (similar paragraph length) 

Watch for plurals. If you are asked to give ‘advantages’, you must present a minimum of 2  

Watch for ‘and’. You may need to comment on more than one element  

Write more than 250 words.  

Don’t: 

Ignore parts of the question  

Assume that your opinion is clear, use the first person to ensure the examiner knows it’s your opinion ‘I think’  

Tell the examiner what you are going to say and what you have said  

Produce a short essay. 

Step 3: Organise your essay logically, with clear progression using linking phrases

Ideas must be expressed and ordered clearly - starting with an introduction and moving through to a conclusion. 

If you are asked to present both views and your opinion, state your opinion at the beginning of the essay and then move on to present both views. You can then come back to your own opinion and then conclude the essay. This is a logical way to present these ideas.  

Use a range of linking words and phrases, but don’t overuse them 

Use adverbial phrases, rather than single basic linkers 

Use referencing and substitution to avoid repetition (this/them/the issue/the problem)  

Use punctuation to make your writing coherent  

Make sure your ideas are sequenced correctly  

Make sure your ideas are logical and easy to follow  

Use a separate paragraph for the introduction and the conclusion   

Use one paragraph for each idea or topic area. 

Overuse basic linking words like firstly (instead, try using ‘The first reason for/ The primary reason for this’)  

Start every sentence with a linker (Try to put it in the middle of a sentence. E.g. “Some people believe, however, that individuals must also take responsibility for the environment” or “I believe, on the other hand, that individuals do have a responsibility to…”)  

Use numbers, symbols or abbreviations (1, 2, etc, &, +)  

Use headings or subheadings  

Underline words or phrases 

Use one-sentence paragraphs  

Start every sentence with a linking device. 

Step 4: Organise your essays into paragraphs

Use paragraphs to organise your essay into clear parts. Make sure each paragraph contains a clear and developed topic with a minimum of two sentences.  

You can use the acronym “PEEL” when writing your essay:  

Point – introduce your topic or topic sentence 

Example – an example that supports your point 

Explain – why this evidence supports your point 

Link – transition to the next topic or paragraph 

You must use enough paragraphs to clearly show a structured response. This will show that you can organise and present your thoughts and ideas logically.  

Here are some ideas on how many paragraphs you could include in an essay: 

Use paragraphs 

Use linkers between and within your paragraphs 

Leave a space between each paragraph (a line)  

Use a paragraph for each topic  

Use an introduction and a conclusion. 

Don't 

Use single-sentence paragraphs 

Use very long paragraphs that cover a whole page (IELTS on paper)

Step 5: Use less common vocabulary and spell it correctly

You will see in the band descriptors that a band 8 writer skillfully uses uncommon lexical items. When we learn a language, we use common and uncommon terms.  Common terms  are words and phrases we use every day to refer to personal experience and daily habits.  Uncommon terms  are used when we discuss specific topics or when we use idiomatic language (phrasal verbs).  

Words that are old-fashioned and not used in everyday speech should not be used. If you choose a synonym, the meaning must be the same and must not alter the idea being presented. For example, adolescent/teenager have close meaning and can be used interchangeably, however, toddler/baby have quite different meanings. 

Collocation is also mentioned in band 8, and it is assumed that you know which words go together, and which words are suitable to use for different topics.  

If you are discussing child crime, you could use the term ‘minor’ as this is a legal term used to describe children under the age of 18.  

If you use phrasal verbs, make sure that you are using the correct preposition as it can change the meaning:  

throw  out/away = discard  

throw up  = vomit/get sick  

Idioms (cultural language) should only be used if you understand them completely and if they fit the topic you are discussing.  

Use precise word choices  

Use language that we use in everyday speech  

Use words that you understand  

Use words and phrases that are related to the topic  

Use collocation and phrasal verbs (words that go together naturally – environmental pollution | major issue | promising future) 

Make spelling mistakes  

Make typos  

Mix up American and British spelling (You should use one or the other)  

Use a word if you don’t understand it or cannot spell it.  

Use imprecise words like ‘stuff/thing’  

Use slang like ‘gonna’  

Use old-fashioned language [the masses| denizens | myopic view | Hitherto]  

Overuse synonyms, one is enough 

Use idioms/clichés  

Use contractions (can’t, doesn’t)

Step 6: Don’t use memorised language, phrases or examples

Don’t use any memorised language, phrases or examples throughout your essay. They are easy for examiners to spot and don’t demonstrate your ability to write fluently.  

Overused phrases, idioms, proverbs and clichés should also be avoided, again, they are often used when speaking. These include phrases like:  

The grass is always greener on the other side  

Love is blind  

Off the top of my head  

Old is gold  

A friend in need is a friend indeed  

Additionally, the following terms should not be used when writing as they are vague and do not address a task appropriately. You should always be using clear language and make appropriate word choices that will express your ideas clearly. 

Step 7: Use a variety of complex sentence structures

At band 8 it is expected that you can use a wide range of structures accurately to present your ideas and opinion. Show the examiner that you can use a wide range of structures and make sure your sentences are error-free. 

It is important to use a mix of complex and simple sentences. But remember, your complex sentences should not be long and complicated.  

Your punctuation needs to be accurate, using capitalisation, commas and full stops correctly.  

The most common errors made can be found below:

Step 8: Checklist

Use the following checklist to make sure that your writing contains all the positive features at a band 8

If you follow these 8 steps, you will be well on your way to a band 8 in Writing Task 2. 

Is IELTS writing hard?

IELTS writing is not so hard if you have a thorough understanding of the test format and are able to organise your thoughts into grammatically-correct, well-structured sentences. Obviously it requires a fair amount of practice. To make it easy, IDP has launched IELTS Prepare where you can access a range of preparation materials: from practice tests, sample answers, videos and articles, all the way to expert assessments, online courses, webinars and more.

IELTS writing for beginners

Join our free IDP IELTS webinars that are designed to give you a sense of what to expect during the IELTS Writing test and guide you towards reaching a high band score:

Improve your understanding of the writing test format and questions

Identify key points

Make your answers relevant

Organize your answers in a more coherent manner

Share this article

Maximize your IELTS preparation: How our English self-assessment tool can help

Commonly used 'black' and 'blue' idioms

Types of essays to expect in your IELTS Writing Task 2

PTE have made changes to how they compare to IELTS. Will this impact you?

List of minimum IELTS scores For Canadian universities in 2021

IELTS Academic and General free practice tests

How to write numbers in IELTS

Grammar 101: How to use who and whom correctly?

• Useful links
• Who accepts IELTS?
• News and articles
• IELTS Masterclass
• Your IELTS results
• IELTS General Training
• IELTS Online
• IELTS by IDP app
• Find sessions
• Check IELTS results
• Middle East
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Legal notices
• Privacy policy
• Cookie policy
• Copyright 2024 IDP IELTS

• A Beginner’s Guide to IELTS
• Common Grammar Mistakes [for IELTS Writing Candidates]

Writing Correction Service

• Free IELTS Resources
• Practice Speaking Test

Select Page

How to Write an IELTS Essay [Task 2]

Posted by David S. Wills | Mar 30, 2019 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 0

In this article, I’m going to show you how to write an IELTS task 2 essay . I will try to make it as simple as possible, yet totally comprehensive. It is my hope that by the time you finish reading this (and watching the attached video) you will be able to write a really good answer to an IELTS task 2 question.

I make no promises like “GET A BAND 7!!!” because it is impossible to make such claims. The IELTS exam will test your English ability, and there are many factors that will contribute to your score. However, if you follow this guide completely, you give yourself the best chance of scoring highly.

Know the Basic Requirements

The first thing you need to know before you even begin writing an IELTS essay are the basic requirements of the exam. In IELTS writing, you have one hour to write two pieces of writing. It is recommended that you spend about 20 minutes on task 1 – which for academic IELTS is a report on a graph or map, and for general IELTS is a letter – and the other 40 minutes should be spent on task 2.

For task 2, you will be given a question. It will usually provide a statement of sorts, followed by a specific task like giving your opinion, discussing advantages and disadvantages, or explaining problems and solutions. You need to write at least 250 words, following the instructions very carefully.

You will ultimately be assigned a grade based upon the IELTS marking rubric. Your grade will be from 0-9, and should accurately reflect your writing ability. However, some problems like stress or sickness may cause you to perform worse than usual, in which case you would be unlucky to receive a grade that does not accurately reflect your level.

I would recommend reading the marking rubric in order to understand what the examiner will look for in your essay, and so that you can understand why you were given the grade you received. It is very common for students to score highly in reading and listening, and then get a comparatively low score for writing . Knowing the rubric will help you to understand.

Each part of the test is marked differently. For IELTS writing, your overall score will be the average of four components:

• Task Response
• Coherence and Cohesion
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy

If the rubric is hard for you to follow, you can see a simpler explanation in this video:

Preparing for the Exam

I will just spend a short time letting you know how to prepare for IELTS writing because actually there are lots of materials on this website to help you do that. The first and most important thing is to make sure that you have a good grasp of grammar and vocabulary. Together, these make up 50% of your writing score, and they are the prime reason why so many students get low scores. These can take years to learn, whereas the other components can be mastered more easily.

You should look at lots of previous questions from the exam, and also read some sample essays to get an understanding of what is expected. Don’t try to memorise the questions or answers, as this won’t help you. However, pay attention to the structure that the writer uses, as well as the tone with which he writes.

You should try to have a teacher or another expert grade your essays and give you feedback on your structure, grammar, and so on. This is the best way to let you know what you should work on in your own time. If you like, I offer a writing correction service that can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and therefore give you a good chance of IELTS success.

Going into the Exam

When you go into the exam room, you will probably feel quite nervous. This feeling is a big problem for students in all sorts of exams, so you need to be prepared to deal with it. Stress is difficult to cope with, but you can employ some breathing techniques or mental strategies to help you.

Perhaps most importantly, you should be prepared for the exam. As I mentioned briefly in the section above, there are many ways to prepare for IELTS. In general, the more prepared you are, the better your chances of success. This sort of preparation can help you overcome most of your nervousness.

I recommend doing lots of practice tests prior to the real exam so that you are not surprised by anything. When you see the question and begin writing, you should feel that this is something you have done before. If you are surprised and feel that it is a very new experience, your nervousness will become worse.

In the exam room, sit down and steady your nerves. Breathe deeply and think confident thoughts. Try to practice mindfulness , which involves pushing away negative images without worrying too much about them.

After this, you will be ready to start.

Reading the Question

Now we come to the actual question. If you have done lots of practice for IELTS writing task 2, you won’t be very surprised by what you read. Although the questions are always different, they are very similar to one another. There are only a limited number of question types, and a predictable range of topics.

The question types you may encounter are:

• Opinion ( Agree or Disagree )
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Problem and Solution
• Discussion (Discuss both views)
• Two-part Question

As for topics, these are generally the same as other IELTS topics you would encounter in the speaking, reading, and listening tests. Some of the common ones include:

• Environment
• Society (such as crime/punishment )

These topics come up a lot, but sometimes they are mixed together. For example, the topic of society is often mixed with environment or education. You should make sure that you are familiar with these topics and learn some useful vocabulary to adequately discuss them. This should help you for both speaking and writing.

Analysing the Question

It is tempting for experienced IELTS students to sit down and start writing quickly. This happens because you read the question and it seems familiar. Knowing that you have just 40 minutes to write an answer, you launch into your introduction immediately.

However, this can be a big problem. I have worked with some really talented students who have made some incredible mistakes. They see the question and recognise some words, so they jump to conclusions. As a result, they score very poorly for Task Response – which is worth 25% of their total score!

Instead, you should take two minutes to carefully read the question. Highlight the keywords and microkeywords that tell you exactly what to do. Only when you are completely sure of your answer should you begin planning and writing your essay.

Let’s take an example:

Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not the real needs of the society in which they are sold. To what extent do you agree or disagree ?

Looking at this question, we can immediately see that it is an opinion question. We can also see the topic (society) and the main focus of the question (consumer goods/ advertising).

It would be easy to misinterpret this question, so you need to think about it carefully. You can’t just begin writing about advertising and society, or about why some consumer goods are popular. Instead, you need to find the relationship between these parts of the question.

Try rephrasing the question in your head:

Do you agree that advertising is the reason why luxury items sell more than essential items?

For me, I see the words “popular consumer goods” and I think of iPhones and Nike trainers. When I see “real needs of the society” I think of food, medicine, and schoolbooks. Why do iPhones sell so well compared to the sandwiches at my local shop? Is it due to advertising?

That is my analysis of this question. You see, it is perhaps more complicated than a quick reading would suggest.

You need to practise analysing questions like this so that you can do it quickly. It could be a huge mistake to rush into writing and not analyse the question, but it is also a problem if you spend too long doing it. Try to do this in about two minutes.

Generating Ideas

Once you understand the question, you need to figure out some ideas to actually write down. Keep in mind that the IELTS exam is primarily a test of your English ability, so you don’t need to be an expert on any one topic. However, you do need to be able to demonstrate some capability in terms of logical thinking for Task Achievement and Coherence and Cohesion.

You should be able to at least think of some sensible answers to the question, and to justify them with explanations and examples. It is ok to think of lots of ideas, but before you begin writing, you should definitely choose the best ones to focus on, and get rid of the rest. If you have too many ideas, your structure will quickly fall apart, and you may even run out of time.

Generating ideas for IELTS writing task 2 is something that troubles many students, especially under genuine exam conditions. You should practice doing this at home, logically ordering your ideas in terms of relevance and how well you could develop them. Failing to do this often results in a person beginning to write and then running out of things to say, or going off-topic. Both of these could be disastrous.

I have a whole article about generating ideas that you can study when you have some free time.

Planning the Essay Structure

I mentioned earlier that it can take years to get competent at English grammar and to build up a good enough vocabulary to write a decent essay. Thankfully, it takes hardly any time to learn how to structure an essay! As grammar and vocabulary are worth 25% of your writing grade each, it makes sense to devote a few days to studying essay structures in order to ace this crucial part, which is also worth 25%. If you performed poorly in grammar, for example, you might be able to redeem yourself with a great structure, thus balancing out your score.

I have lots of articles on this website devoted to structuring essays, and even a few videos. You can read or watch them here:

• PLANNING IELTS WRITING TASK 2 STRUCTURE
• TASK 2 ESSAY STRUCTURES
• HOW TO STRUCTURE A PARAGRAPH
• IELTS WRITING: SHOULD I WRITE 4 OR 5 PARAGRAPHS?
• SELECTING IDEAS AND STRUCTURING AN ESSAY [IELTS WRITING TASK 2]
• STRUCTURING AN IELTS TASK 2 ESSAY
• Paragraph Structure for IELTS Writing [with example answers]
• How to Structure an IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay

In short, for the purpose of this guide, I will say that a four-paragraph essay is almost always the best approach for IELTS writing task 2. You should make it look like this:

This PPT shows more detail on the above ideas, and tailors the structure slightly for each type of question:

When planning your essay, you should note down this sort of structure to ensure that you remember what you want to write about, develop each point intelligently, and do not stray off-topic. If you do this, you will greatly increase your chances of a high score for Task Response and Coherence and Cohesion (a combined 50% of your total writing score).

Paragraph Structure

Your essay plan should give an overview of what your essay will look like, but you also need to consider the mechanics of each paragraph. Remember that each paragraph should contain one idea, and that idea should be supported by each sentence in the paragraph. Your typical body paragraph might look like this:

• Topic sentence (a broad statement)
• Narrow the focus
• Give example
• Explain example
• Conclude the paragraph

Let’s take the example question from above (about consumer goods and advertising) and show how the first body paragraph could be developed:

• It should be abundantly clear that many of the popular consumer goods that dominate markets around the world are not items of objective importance, but rather ones of purely superficial appeal.
• People need things like food and clothing, as well as some items that enable them to work or travel, but certain products are just luxury items.
• Take, for example, the iPhone. There are countless other devices on the market that can fulfill the main functions of an iPhone without the jaw-dropping price tag.
• However, in almost every country, people want to own one of these status symbols.
• The reason is simply that it has been marketed well, and owning one makes a person look successful and wealthy.

It is possible to do this differently, of course, according to the question type or your writing style. However, each sentence should follow on logically from the previous one, building up a coherent argument or point of view, and centered around the main idea of the paragraph.

Writing an IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay

Once you have planned your structure and you are confident about building up paragraphs logically, you can begin to write. You should write slowly and carefully, but try to leave time to actually finish. If you don’t finish your essay, you will have points deducted from your score. Additionally, you also want to leave yourself time to edit your own essay after you are done writing.

Here is how I would answer the above question. As you are reading this, please pay attention to how I have followed the guidelines set out above. If you want to understand better, watch the video below, in which I record myself writing the essay and explain each thing that I write. I made this video so that it would be easier to understand… although it might be a little boring. 😉

Sample Answer

As globalization sweeps the world in the twenty-first century, people appear to have become more materialistic. Expensive consumer goods produced by companies like Apple and Nike are sold in all corners of the globe, and for many people they are must-have items. Some people believe that this is all down to advertising rather than actual necessity. This essay will argue in support of that position.

It should be abundantly clear that many of the popular consumer goods that dominate markets around the world are not items of objective importance, but rather ones of purely superficial appeal. People need things like food and clothing, as well as some items that enable them to work or travel, but certain products are just luxury items. Take, for example, the iPhone. There are countless other devices on the market that can fulfill the main functions of an iPhone without the jaw-dropping price tag. However, in almost every country, people want to own one of these status symbols. The reason is simply that it has been marketed well, and owning one makes a person look successful and wealthy.

If the real needs of society were reflected in sales, rather than the popularity of certain luxury items, our economies would look very different. Fashionable brands would not be as wealthy as ones making affordable, simple products. Yet it is those items that are carefully advertised on TV, on the internet, and at sports events, which captivate people and cause them to make unwise purchases or form irrational brand loyalties. Look at how Apple overtook Microsoft, or how Nike easily outsells any humble, local shoemaker.

In conclusion, it is clear that sales are dictated not by a product’s necessity, but rather by its appeal to consumers, and this appeal is created through slick advertising campaigns.

This is a video of me writing the above essay. I talk for quite a while about the question. If you have already read this whole article, you may find it unnecessary, in which case you should probably skip ahead to me actually writing the essay.

Editing Your Essay

When you are finished, leave a few minutes to look over your work to find mistakes. Editing one’s own work is extremely difficult, even for professional writers! However, you should have a checklist of things to find. Look for commonly misspelled words and grammatical errors that you often make. You can learn these things by getting expert feedback on your writing.

Pay attention to your tenses, punctuation, and to subject-verb disagreement. Remember to review your articles (a/an/the) and prepositions . These are all mistakes that are easily fixed. At this stage, it is too late to make any structural changes, so it is worth spending that extra time at the beginning of the test to get that right.

As for word count, a properly planned essay will almost certainly reach 250 words, and if you have done lots of practice, you will know what that looks like. Don’t waste time by counting in the exam, as it can take a long time. Get a feel for the length of your essay during your practice tests, and in the real exam you will just know – as the examiner does – that it is either more than or less than 250 words.  

Some Final Words of Advice

In IELTS writing task 2, it may be tempting to use high-level vocabulary and sophisticated grammar. Of course, when used correctly these may help you attain a high band score. However, you should consider the following piece of advice:

The most important thing is to use language correctly.

In other words, you might attempt to write a long sentence filled with difficult words and completely fail. The examiners might not understand you at all. You think that it’s impressive, but he or she thinks it shows you do not speak English very well. It is, therefore, better to use only what you are 100% confident you can use correctly.

If possible, try to vary your sentence length. Native speakers do this intuitively, and you can pick up this sort of rhythm by reading often. If all your sentences are the same type and length, it would sound quite boring.

Finally, remember to stay calm and confident. IELTS might seem like the most important thing in the world, but it is just an exam. Unless you are extremely unlucky, you will get the grade that you deserve. There is no shortcut or cheat to getting a high score, and you should not waste your time or energy even thinking that way. Just practice often, keep an open mind, and do your best.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

Related Posts

Can Vocabulary and Grammar Mistakes Impact Task Response?

September 9, 2022

Describe Something You Bought Recently [IELTS Speaking Part 2]

October 30, 2020

The Problem with Learning English on Instagram

October 17, 2020

IELTS Topics: Globalisation

July 3, 2023

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Download my IELTS Books

Recent Posts

• Exams vs Continual Assessement [Model Essay]
• British vs American Spelling
• How to Improve your IELTS Writing Score
• Past Simple vs Past Perfect
• Complex Sentences

Recent Comments

• David S. Wills on Writing Correction Service
• kenji on Writing Correction Service
• Pop Pop on Straw No More, by Molly Steer
• Francisca on Adverb Clauses: A Comprehensive Guide
• Mariam on IELTS Writing Task 2: Two-Part Questions
• Lesson Plans
• Model Essays
• TED Video Lessons
• Weekly Roundup

IELTS essay plan for writing task 2 (7 steps)

1. classify the question.

Classifying the question correctly will help you later determine what response you will write.

2. Brainstorm ideas and clarify your position for each paragraph.

Paragraph 1:

3. Check your ideas correspond to the question

4. develop the ideas further. ask yourself why, 5. develop examples that prove your point., 6. organise your ideas and plan the paragraph..

At IELTSPodcast our online students have the C2 Template , which is a high scoring template of the structure above. It includes sophisticated sentences and naturally links all your ideas together.

7. Write your introduction, paragraphs and conclusion.

To get the trial essay correction for $5 just sign up to our mailing list here .

Audio tutorial

Tutorials and tips to prepare for task 2.

Band 9 Guide: IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types and Structures + Sample Essays

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, you are required to craft a compelling essay on a given topic. The approach and structure will largely depend on the question type presented. This guide offers a detailed look into the various question types, their structures, and strategies to tackle them effectively.

Here are the essay types that we will cover:

• Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree)
• Advantages and Disadvantages Questions
• Discussion (Discuss Both Views) Questions
• Problem and Solution Questions
• Two-Part Questions
• Mixed Type (Advantages and Disadvantages + Opinion)
• Double Question
• Causes (Reasons) and Effects

At the end, we will provide you with some supplementary tips that you can use to improve your writing band score in the IELTS exam.

1. Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree)

This question type asks you to express your viewpoints on a given topic or statement.

Question Example:

Is digital technology in schools beneficial for students learning?

Essay Structure:

• Introduction : Paraphrase the Question and state your opinion, outlining the main ideas.
• Main Body Paragraph 1 : Begin with a topic sentence, explain this topic sentence, and provide an example.
• Main Body Paragraph 2 : Follow the same format as the previous paragraph.
• Conclusion : Recap the main points and reiterate your opinion.

Sample Essay:

Introduction: Digital technology has become an integral part of modern education, transforming the way students learn and interact with the world. In this essay, I will outline why I believe that incorporating digital technology in schools is highly beneficial for students learning.

Main Body Paragraph 1: First and foremost, digital technology enhances engagement and active participation in the learning process. Interactive learning platforms, virtual simulations, and multimedia resources make lessons more captivating and encourage students to explore concepts in depth. For instance, online platforms like Khan Academy offer interactive math lessons that adapt to individual learning paces, ensuring a personalized and effective learning experience. This level of engagement fosters a deeper understanding of subjects.

Main Body Paragraph 2: Furthermore, digital technology equips students with practical skills relevant to the digital age. In today’s interconnected world, proficiency in using digital tools and navigating online resources is essential for success. Integrating technology into education not only prepares students for the future job market but also empowers them to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. For instance, coding workshops in schools enable students to develop computational thinking, a skill applicable in a wide range of disciplines.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the integration of digital technology into schools brings numerous advantages to students’ learning experiences. It enhances engagement, promotes practical skills, and cultivates a mindset of adaptability and innovation. While some may argue that excessive screen time can be detrimental, judicious use of technology can mitigate these concerns. By embracing digital technology, schools can provide a holistic and dynamic education that prepares students for the challenges of the modern world.

Advanced Tips:

• Be clear in your stance and acknowledge counterarguments if necessary.
• Employ persuasive tools like strong adjectives, rhetorical questions, and emphatic structures to bolster your arguments.

2. Advantages and Disadvantages Questions

You need to evaluate both the benefits and drawbacks of a particular topic or situation.

What are the pros and cons of remote work for professionals?

• Introduction : Paraphrase the Question and outline the main points.
• Main Body Paragraph 1 : Discuss two advantages, expand on each, and provide an example.
• Main Body Paragraph 2 : Detail two disadvantages, delve deeper into each, and give an example.
• Conclusion : Summarize the main pros and cons discussed.

Introduction: The advent of technology has revolutionized the way professionals work, giving rise to the concept of remote work. In this essay, I will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of remote work for professionals.

Main Body Paragraph 1: Remote work offers several compelling advantages for professionals. Firstly, it provides a flexible work environment that allows individuals to balance their personal and professional lives effectively. This flexibility can lead to increased job satisfaction and improved overall well-being. Moreover, remote work eliminates the need for daily commutes, saving valuable time and reducing stress. According to a study conducted by Global Workplace Analytics, remote workers report higher levels of productivity due to reduced distractions commonly found in traditional office settings.

Main Body Paragraph 2: However, remote work also presents certain challenges. One notable disadvantage is the potential for isolation and reduced collaboration. In a traditional office environment, spontaneous interactions and face-to-face discussions foster creativity and teamwork. Remote work can lead to feelings of loneliness and hinder effective communication, which is crucial for innovative solutions to complex problems. Additionally, remote work requires a high level of self-discipline, as the absence of direct supervision may lead to procrastination and decreased accountability.

Conclusion: In conclusion, remote work offers professionals a range of benefits such as flexibility and time savings. However, it is not without its drawbacks, including potential isolation and reduced collaboration. To maximize the advantages of remote work while mitigating its disadvantages, professionals must cultivate effective communication skills, establish a dedicated workspace, and maintain a disciplined work routine. Ultimately, the success of remote work hinges on the ability to strike a balance between the convenience it offers and the challenges it poses.

• Use transitional phrases to ensure smooth transitions between points.
• Avoid mere antonyms when presenting pros and cons.

3. Discussion (Discuss Both Views) Questions

These questions require you to explore multiple perspectives on a topic.

Should governments prioritize economic growth over environmental conservation?

• Introduction : Paraphrase the Question and provide a thesis statement.
• Main Body Paragraph 1 : Detail one viewpoint, give reasons for/against it and provide an example.
• Main Body Paragraph 2 : State the opposing viewpoint, discuss it, and again offer an example.
• Conclusion : Sum up the discussion and state your preferred perspective.

Introduction: The delicate balance between economic growth and environmental conservation has become a critical concern in contemporary societies. In this essay, I will delve into both perspectives on whether governments should prioritize economic growth or environmental conservation.

Main Body Paragraph 1: From an economic standpoint, prioritizing growth can lead to numerous benefits. Economic expansion creates job opportunities, boosts national income, and improves living standards for citizens. For instance, countries like China and India have experienced significant economic growth that has lifted millions out of poverty. This growth can fund essential services such as healthcare and education, contributing to overall societal development.

Main Body Paragraph 2: On the other hand, environmental conservation holds paramount importance for the future well-being of our planet. Ecological degradation and resource depletion have dire consequences for ecosystems and humanity alike. Focusing on environmental conservation ensures the preservation of biodiversity, clean air, and freshwater sources. For instance, countries like Sweden have successfully implemented green policies, resulting in cleaner air and sustainable use of natural resources.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the debate over whether governments should prioritize economic growth or environmental conservation is complex and multifaceted. While economic growth brings prosperity and improved living standards, neglecting environmental concerns could lead to irreversible damage to our planet. Striking a balance between these two perspectives is crucial. Governments can implement policies that promote sustainable economic growth while also ensuring responsible resource management and environmental protection. Only through careful consideration and informed decision-making can societies navigate the intricate interplay between economic progress and environmental stewardship.

• Ensure you give equal weight to both viewpoints.
• Your conclusion should reflect a balanced understanding of the topic.

Read Also : Cohesive Devices for Band 9 in IELTS Writing: The ultimate guide

4. Problem and Solution Questions

This question type asks you to identify problems related to a situation and suggest solutions.

What challenges does urbanization present and how can cities adapt?

• Introduction : Paraphrase the Question and outline the main ideas.
• Main Body Paragraph 1 : Identify the problems, discuss them, and offer examples.
• Main Body Paragraph 2 : Suggest possible solutions, discuss their feasibility, and provide examples.
• Conclusion : Recap the highlighted problems and proposed solutions.

Introduction: The rapid pace of urbanization has transformed the world’s landscape, bringing with it a host of challenges that demand urgent attention. In this essay, I will explore the problems posed by urbanization and propose viable solutions to address these challenges.

Main Body Paragraph 1: Urbanization has given rise to a range of pressing issues. One significant challenge is the strain on urban infrastructure, including transportation and housing. As rural populations migrate to cities, the demand for housing outpaces supply, leading to slums and inadequate living conditions. Additionally, traffic congestion and limited public transport options undermine efficient mobility. Pollution is another critical concern as increased industrial activity and vehicular emissions degrade air quality, endangering residents’ health.

Main Body Paragraph 2: To counter these challenges, cities can adopt proactive measures. Firstly, urban planning should prioritize affordable housing initiatives and sustainable infrastructure development. By building smart cities that utilize technology to manage resources efficiently, governments can alleviate congestion and enhance the quality of life. Moreover, investing in efficient public transportation systems, such as metro networks and buses, can reduce traffic congestion and pollution. For instance, the Bus Rapid Transit system in Curitiba, Brazil, has improved transportation efficiency and reduced congestion.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the challenges posed by urbanization require multifaceted solutions that span urban planning, infrastructure development, and sustainable policies. By addressing housing shortages, improving transportation, and promoting environmentally conscious practices, cities can harness the potential of urbanization while mitigating its negative consequences. This approach will not only enhance the quality of life for urban residents but also contribute to the overall well-being of society in the face of an increasingly urbanized world.

• Be specific in identifying problems and avoid vagueness.
• Solutions should be practical and actionable.

5. Two-Part Questions

You are presented with a statement followed by two distinct queries that must be addressed.

How has digital technology impacted workplaces and what future advancements can be anticipated?

• Introduction : Paraphrase the statement and outline both questions.
• Main Body Paragraph 1 : Address the first question with explanations and examples.
• Main Body Paragraph 2 : Respond to the second question, again with explanations and examples.
• Conclusion : Summarize the responses to both questions.

Introduction: The integration of digital technology into workplaces has reshaped the dynamics of modern work environments, bringing forth both immediate changes and future possibilities. In this essay, I will delve into the ways digital technology has already transformed workplaces and discuss potential advancements that can be anticipated.

Main Body Paragraph 1: The impact of digital technology on workplaces has been profound. Firstly, it has streamlined communication and collaboration, allowing teams to collaborate across geographical boundaries in real-time. Tools like video conferencing and cloud-based document sharing have revolutionized how projects are managed. Moreover, automation powered by artificial intelligence (AI) has improved efficiency by handling routine tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more complex, creative endeavors. This has been particularly evident in industries like manufacturing, where robots have taken over repetitive and dangerous tasks.

Main Body Paragraph 2: Looking ahead, digital technology is poised to bring even more transformative changes. The rise of remote work is likely to continue, with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies offering immersive virtual workspaces that replicate physical office environments. Furthermore, AI-driven analytics will enable data-driven decision-making, enhancing business strategies and customer interactions. The concept of a “smart office” will likely emerge, with interconnected devices and IoT (Internet of Things) technology optimizing resource utilization and energy efficiency.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the impact of digital technology on workplaces has been substantial, revolutionizing communication, automating tasks, and increasing efficiency. As we move forward, advancements such as AR, VR, AI, and IoT hold the promise of further reshaping work environments. To stay competitive, companies must embrace these innovations while also addressing potential challenges like data security and workforce adaptation. By doing so, they can position themselves to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

• Maintain a clear division between your answers to both questions.
• Use predictive techniques when addressing future-related queries.

6. Mixed Type (Advantages and Disadvantages + Opinion)

Here, you should discuss the pros and cons of a topic, followed by expressing a personal opinion.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping and give your own opinion.

• Introduction : Introduce the topic.
• Advantages : 1-2 paragraphs detailing the benefits.
• Disadvantages : 1-2 paragraphs detailing the drawbacks.
• Opinion : State your viewpoint and provide supporting reasons.
• Conclusion : Summarize the main points.

Introduction: The proliferation of online shopping has transformed the way consumers engage in commerce, offering convenience and accessibility like never before. This essay will explore the benefits and drawbacks of online shopping, followed by my personal opinion on its overall impact.

Advantages: Online shopping presents several advantages. Firstly, it offers unparalleled convenience, allowing customers to browse and purchase products from the comfort of their homes. This eliminates the need to travel to physical stores, saving time and energy. Moreover, the variety of options available online ensures a wider selection of products, often at competitive prices. Online platforms also offer detailed product information, reviews, and comparison tools, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.

Disadvantages: However, online shopping is not without its disadvantages. One major concern is the inability to physically inspect products before purchase. This can lead to dissatisfaction if the received item doesn’t match expectations. Additionally, online transactions may pose risks to personal data security and privacy. Cases of identity theft and online scams are not uncommon, raising concerns about the safety of online purchases. Furthermore, the lack of face-to-face interaction eliminates the personal touch of traditional shopping experiences.

Opinion: In my opinion, the advantages of online shopping outweigh its drawbacks. The convenience, vast selection, and competitive prices make it a viable option for today’s busy consumers. The potential risks associated with online transactions can be mitigated by adopting secure payment methods and practicing caution when sharing personal information. As technology continues to advance, addressing security concerns will likely become more effective.

Conclusion: In conclusion, online shopping offers undeniable benefits in terms of convenience, variety, and accessibility. While challenges such as product inspection and security issues persist, they can be managed with prudent shopping practices. Embracing online shopping while remaining vigilant about its potential pitfalls can lead to a rewarding and efficient shopping experience.

• Balance your essay by giving equal importance to advantages, disadvantages, and your opinion.
• Use rhetorical questions to highlight the significance of your viewpoint.

Read Also : Common grammar mistakes to avoid in the IELTS writing section

7. Double Question

Two distinct questions are presented that must be answered within the essay.

Why do people attend colleges or universities? What are the benefits of higher education?

• Answer to Question 1 : Provide reasons and examples.
• Answer to Question 2 : Offer explanations and illustrations.
• Conclusion : Recap the main points made.

Introduction: The decision to pursue higher education is driven by a multitude of factors, each intertwined with the potential benefits that education beyond high school can offer. This essay will delve into the reasons individuals choose to attend colleges or universities and the advantages that higher education brings.

Answer to Question 1: People seek higher education for various reasons. Firstly, acquiring specialized knowledge and skills is a primary motivation. Colleges and universities offer structured curricula that equip students with expertise in their chosen fields. Furthermore, higher education provides opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. The university environment encourages critical thinking, independent research, and exposure to diverse perspectives, fostering well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges of the modern world.

Answer to Question 2: The benefits of higher education are manifold. Firstly, it significantly enhances career prospects. Graduates with degrees are often more competitive in the job market, commanding higher salaries and better employment opportunities. Additionally, higher education fosters networking and social connections that can open doors to professional opportunities. Moreover, education beyond high school cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are invaluable assets in various aspects of life. For instance, an educated citizenry contributes to informed decision-making in society and drives innovation.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the decision to attend colleges or universities is driven by a desire for specialized knowledge, personal growth, and expanded opportunities. The benefits of higher education are far-reaching, including improved career prospects, enhanced critical thinking abilities, and societal contributions. As higher education continues to evolve and adapt to changing demands, its role in shaping individuals and society remains indispensable.

• Use connectors like “Firstly” and “Secondly” to distinguish between the two answers.
• Provide real-life examples to make your answers more credible.

8. Evaluation

You should assess the significance, relevance, or implications of a topic or statement.

How significant is the role of technology in education today?

• Significance/Relevance : Describe why the topic is essential.
• Counterarguments : Discuss opposing viewpoints or potential drawbacks.
• Conclusion : Summarize your evaluation.

Introduction: Technology’s pervasive presence in modern education has sparked debates about its significance and impact on learning. This essay will evaluate the role of technology in education today, examining its importance and potential drawbacks.

Significance/Relevance: The role of technology in education is undeniably significant. It has transformed traditional classrooms into dynamic learning environments, offering interactive tools and resources that engage students. Technology facilitates personalized learning experiences, catering to diverse learning styles and paces. For instance, adaptive learning platforms tailor content to individual students’ progress, optimizing comprehension and retention. Moreover, technology has transcended geographical barriers, enabling distance learning and online courses that make education accessible to a global audience.

Counterarguments: However, there are counterarguments to the unqualified significance of technology in education. Overreliance on technology may lead to reduced face-to-face interactions and diminished social skills. Additionally, some educators argue that technology can be a distraction, diverting students’ attention from essential learning objectives. Moreover, the digital divide, where not all students have equal access to technology, can exacerbate educational inequalities.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the role of technology in education is undoubtedly significant, enhancing engagement, personalization, and accessibility. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge potential drawbacks such as social skill erosion and disparities in access. Technology’s effectiveness in education depends on its thoughtful integration and its alignment with pedagogical goals. Striking a balance between harnessing technology’s benefits and mitigating its downsides is essential to maximize its positive impact on modern education.

• Maintain objectivity; avoid extreme positions unless strongly backed by evidence.
• Use qualifiers like “largely”, “often”, or “generally” to avoid making absolute statements.

9. Causes (Reasons) and Effects

This type demands an understanding of the root causes of a situation and its resultant effects.

What are the reasons for increasing obesity rates in children, and what are its consequences?

• Causes/Reasons : Elaborate on the underlying factors.
• Effects/Consequences : Detail the outcomes or repercussions.
• Conclusion : Recap the main causes and effects.

Introduction: The rising prevalence of childhood obesity has emerged as a critical public health concern in many societies. This essay will delve into the underlying causes of increasing obesity rates in children and explore the far-reaching consequences of this alarming trend.

Causes/Reasons: Several factors contribute to the growing obesity rates among children. Firstly, changes in dietary habits have led to increased consumption of processed foods high in sugars and unhealthy fats. Busy lifestyles and convenience-driven choices have shifted diets towards calorie-dense but nutritionally poor options. Sedentary behaviors, fueled by excessive screen time and a decline in physical activity, also play a pivotal role. Reduced outdoor play and an increasing reliance on electronic devices have led to a decline in daily physical activity levels. Furthermore, socioeconomic disparities can impact access to healthy food options and safe play spaces, exacerbating the issue.

Effects/Consequences: The consequences of childhood obesity are multifaceted and far-reaching. In the short term, overweight children often face social and psychological challenges, including low self-esteem and bullying. Moreover, childhood obesity sets the stage for lifelong health problems. Obese children are at a higher risk of developing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal issues. The economic burden on healthcare systems is substantial, as treating obesity-related illnesses places a strain on resources.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the rising prevalence of childhood obesity can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, and socioeconomic disparities. The consequences of childhood obesity extend beyond physical health, impacting mental well-being and straining healthcare systems. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach involving education, policy changes, and community initiatives that promote healthy diets and active lifestyles from an early age.

• Use cause-effect connectors like “due to”, “because of”, “as a result”, and “hence”.
• Illustrate causes and effects with recent studies or statistical data where possible.

Read Also : How to use Complex Sentences in IELTS writing?

Supplementary Skills and Tips

Advanced Writing Techniques :

• Use cohesive devices like ‘however’, ‘moreover’, and ‘therefore’ to ensure fluidity.
• Vary sentence lengths for rhythm and engagement.
• Incorporate credible statistics where appropriate.

Pitfalls to Avoid :

• Stay away from broad generalizations and sweeping statements.
• Use varied vocabulary to prevent monotony.
• Always revise your essay before submission.

Enhancing Vocabulary :

• Improve your vocabulary to make your essay more engaging. For instance, instead of “good”, use words like “beneficial” or “advantageous”.

The Importance of Practice and Feedback :

• Regular practice, coupled with feedback, is key. Take online IELTS mock tests with detailed feedback from certified examiners to improve your writing skills.

Want to improve your IELTS writing skills? Take our free quiz.

Your content goes here, ielts prep quiz.

" * " indicates required fields

Step 1 of 7 - IELTS Prep Quiz

Share This Post!

Related posts.

Describing graphs, charts, diagrams and tables for band 9 in IELTS writing + Best structures and useful vocabulary

15 Sentence Structures for Band 9 Writing in IELTS + Sample passage

IELTS on Computer: The Ultimate Guide to computer-based IELTS

How to Master Matching Questions in the IELTS Listening Test

Top 10 Templates for IELTS Speaking Test to get band 9

Leave a comment cancel reply.

25 Expert Tips For IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Success

The IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 can be challenging as it requires test takers to complete a n essay of at least 250 words within 40 minutes. The test is designed to evaluate your ability to convey information in a clear, organized, and coherent manner, use a diverse range of vocabulary and grammar accurately, and showcase critical thinking skills.

If you’re feeling anxious about Task 2 of the IELTS Academic Writing test, don’t worry! This article shares 25 essential tips and tricks that will help you tackle the test with confidence and ease.

Best IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Tips

Excel on the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 and impress the examiners with these 25 expert tips:

1. Understand the format of the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

The IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, which accounts for 66% of the total writing marks, requires you to write an essay of at least 250 words within 40 minutes in response to a given prompt. The task prompt can take the form of advantages/disadvantages, opinion essays, direct questions, solutions, and point-of-view discussions.

The essay should be organized into 4 paragraphs:

• Introduction: Introduce the topic and state your thesis or main point.
• Body paragraph 1: Present your first main point with supporting evidence and examples.
• Body paragraph 2: Present your second main point with supporting evidence and examples.
• Conclusion: Sum up your main points and restate your thesis in a new way.

Below is a sample Task 2 topic of the IELTS Academic Writing test:

2. Meet the criteria of the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors

The IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 band descriptors provide detailed information about the skills and abilities that are required to achieve a particular score on the test.

The descriptors are divided into 4 categories:

Task response: (25%)

• Answer the question fully.
• Understand the question and generate relevant ideas.
• Develop and support ideas with evidence and examples.
• Maintain a clear position throughout the essay.
• Meet the word count requirement of 250 words.

Coherence and cohesion: (25%)

• Paraphrase accurately.
• Organize ideas logically with clear sections.
• Start each new idea with a new paragraph (4-5 paragraphs).
• Use cohesive devices for smooth flow (e.g. linking words and phrases).
• Use referencing language appropriately (e.g. “they”, “these”, “furthermore”).

Lexical resource: (25%)

• Use a wide range of accurate and effective vocabulary.
• Avoid spelling and word information errors.
• Skillfully use less common vocabulary.
• Appropriately use collocations to improve fluency.
• Avoid informal language and abbreviations.
• Write in a formal academic style.

Grammatical range and accuracy: (25%)

• Use a wide range of sentence structures.
• Include a variety of complex structures.
• Ensure sentences are grammatically correct and free of errors.
• Use appropriate verb tenses.
• Employ correct punctuation.

Each criterion will be scored on a scale from 0 to 9, with half-band increments (e.g., 5.5 or 6.5), and your overall score will be the average of the 4 criteria. For instance:

• Task response: 8
• Coherence and cohesion: 7.5
• Lexical resource: 7
• Grammatical range and accuracy: 7.5

Total score for Task 2: 8 + 7.5 + 7 + 7.5 = 30 / 4 = 7.5

• Click here to view the full band descriptors for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2.

3. Identify the type of question

There are different types of questions, such as opinion essays, problem-solution essays, discussion essays, and advantage-disadvantage essays.

Each type of question requires a different approach and structure, so it’s essential to understand the type of question being asked before beginning to write.

Opinion essays

Approach : Present your own opinion on a topic and support it with relevant reasons and examples.

Structure :

• Introduction: State your opinion and give a brief overview of your reasons.
• Body paragraph 1: Present your first reason and supporting evidence.
• Body paragraph 2: Present your second reason and supporting evidence.
• Body paragraph 3: Present your third reason and supporting evidence (if applicable).
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your opinion.

Problem – solution essays

Approach : Identify a problem and propose a solution to it.

• Introduction: Introduce the topic and give a brief overview of the problem and its causes.
• Body paragraph 1: Present the problem and supporting evidence.
• Body paragraph 2: Discuss the causes of the problem and supporting evidence.
• Body paragraph 3: Present possible solutions and supporting evidence.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points and give your opinion on the best solution.

Discussion essays

Approach : Present both sides of an argument on a topic and provide your own opinion.

• Introduction: Present the issue and provide background information.
• Body paragraph 1: Present one point of view and supporting evidence.
• Body paragraph 2: Present the opposing point of view and supporting evidence.
• Body paragraph 3: Discuss any areas of agreement or disagreement between the two points of view.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points and give your opinion on the issue.

Advantage – disadvantage essays

Approach : Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a particular topic.

• Introduction: Introduce the topic and give a brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages.
• Body Paragraph 1: Present the advantages and supporting evidence.
• Body Paragraph 2: Present the disadvantages and supporting evidence.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points and give your opinion on the topic.

4. Identify the keywords in the question

The keywords are words or phrases that indicate the main focus or topic of the question.

To identify the keywords in a question, you should:

• Carefully read the question
• Underline or highlight the words or phrases that seem most important or relevant.

For example, if the question asks about the advantages and disadvantages of technology, the keywords may include “advantages,” “disadvantages,” and “technology.” Other possible keywords in this question could be “impact,” “innovation,” “society,” or “future.”

5. Pay attention to the instruction words in the question

Instruction words tell you exactly what the examiner wants you to do, such as giving an opinion, evaluating advantages and disadvantages, or presenting problems and solutions.

Some common instruction words in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 questions include:

6. Make notes on your question paper

During the first few minutes of the IELTS Academic Writing test, you will be given time to read and analyze the question. It is recommended that you use this time to make notes and brainstorm ideas for your essay.

You can write your plan and outline directly on the question paper, where there will be enough space provided for you to write your ideas. You can use the margins and the back of the page to jot down notes and bullet points for your plan.

Creating a plan for your essay can be done in 4 steps:

• Analyze the question carefully.
• Generate relevant ideas based on the question.
• Organize your ideas into an essay structure.
• List synonyms of the keywords in the question to use in your essay.
• Write your plan clearly and legibly.
• Include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• List the main points you plan to make in each section.
• Brainstorm and note down relevant examples to support your arguments.
• Ensure your plan is easy to refer back to while writing your essay.

7. Write a clear and concise introduction

It’s important to note that the introduction is the first impression you make on the examiner, so it’s essential to make it clear and concise. It should provide a brief overview of the essay’s topic and your opinion on the matter.

A basic introduction for an essay should include three sentences as follows:

• Paraphrase the question clearly and concisely.
• State your position or overall opinion regarding the topic.
• Include a sentence that outlines what you plan to discuss in the body paragraphs of your essay. (Optional)
• Keep the introduction short (2-3 sentences).
• Avoid adding unnecessary information or details.
• Ensure the introduction presents a clear and concise overview of the essay.
• Make sure the introduction sets the tone for the rest of the essay.

8. Use topic sentences to start each paragraph

A topic sentence is a sentence that states the main point of a paragraph, and it helps to guide the reader and keep your ideas organized.

Using topic sentences can benefit your essay in several ways:

• It helps you to focus on one main idea for each paragraph.
• It helps the reader to understand the purpose of each paragraph.
• It makes it easier for you to organize your ideas and stay on track.
• It helps to create a logical flow of ideas throughout your essay.

To write an effective topic sentence, you should:

• Make sure it clearly and concisely states the main point of the paragraph.
• Make sure it connects to the thesis statement and overall argument of your essay.
• Use strong and specific language to make your point.
• Avoid being too general or vague in your sentence.

9. Use relevant and specific examples to support your ideas

Using examples effectively in your essay can help to illustrate your point and make your argument more persuasive. It can also help to demonstrate your understanding of the topic and show the examiner that you have a good grasp of the relevant concepts and ideas.

When using examples in your essay, it is important to choose those that are relevant and specific to the topic.

• Use examples to support your argument, not to make your point for you
• Use examples to add depth and detail to your essay, not as a substitute for analysis and critical thinking
• Ensure your examples are accurate and factual
• Avoid using anecdotes or hypothetical scenarios without evidence

10. Write a clear conclusion

One common essay structure involves a 2-sentence conclusion. To follow this structure, you should:

• Summarize your viewpoint and supporting ideas.
• Provide a suggestion or recommendation based on the discussion in the essay.

To improve your essay conclusion, remember the following tips:

• Restate your main ideas without introducing new ones.
• Answer the essay question clearly.
• Use varied language to show your vocabulary skills.
• Summarize your main points rather than going into detail again.
• Always write a conclusion, even if you’re short on time. It’s crucial for a good score in Task 2.

11. Stick to the given word limit (usually 270-290 words)

It’s not practical to count every word when writing your IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 essay, so it’s important to practice using official answer sheets to get a sense of what your words look like on the page.

Writing more than the word limit is not recommended since it can lead to grammar mistakes and irrelevant ideas. Instead, aim to write about 270-290 words to ensure that you meet the limit and don’t lose your time.

12. Use academic vocabulary and avoid informal language

The IELTS exam is designed to assess your ability to use academic language effectively, which includes using appropriate vocabulary and avoiding slang or colloquial language.

Here are some effective ways to enhance your academic vocabulary:

• Read widely : Read academic texts like journals, research papers, and books containing academic language.
• Use a thesaurus : Find synonyms and related words to make your writing more precise and sophisticated.
• Make flashcards : Active recall and spaced repetition improve memory and retention.
• Watch academic lectures : Find academic vocabulary used in context on platforms like YouTube or Ted Talks.
• Use academic writing resources : Books, dictionaries, and grammar guides can help you learn new vocabulary and understand how to use it correctly.
• Join online academic communities : Engage with like-minded people and learn from discussions on academic topics using academic vocabulary.

Using complex vocabulary doesn’t always make your writing more academic. Overly complex language can make it harder for the examiner to understand your message. It’s important to use words that are suitable for the topic and the context in which they’re used.

Additionally, remember to avoid informal language such as contractions, slang, and colloquialisms. Instead, use formal language and phrases that are commonly used in academic writing. For example, instead of saying “kids,” use “children,” and instead of “cool,” use “fashionable” or “popular.”

13. Use a variety of sentence structures to avoid repetition

Here are some tips to help you use a variety of sentence structures in your IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 essay:

• Compound-complex.
• Use a mix of these types of sentences in your essay.
• You can start with a simple sentence, then use a compound sentence to join two ideas, followed by a complex sentence to show a cause-and-effect relationship, and so on.
• Short sentences can be punchy and powerful.
• Long sentences can be more descriptive and detailed.
• Avoid using too many long or too many short sentences in a row.
• Connect ideas.
• Create a smooth flow between sentences.
• On the other hand
• In addition
• Consequently
• Rearrange sentence structures: For example, you can start with an adverbial phrase, followed by the subject and verb, or use a passive voice to create a different sentence structure.
• Use varied vocabulary: Use synonyms and different forms of words to describe the same thing. This will also help demonstrate your range of vocabulary to the examiner.

14. Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas

Linking words and phrases are used to connect different ideas within a sentence or between sentences. They help to create a smooth flow of ideas and show the relationship between them.

Here is a list of some common linking words and phrases that you can use in your essay:

These words and phrases can sometimes serve multiple purposes, and this list is not exhaustive.

15. Paraphrase effectively

Paraphrasing involves rephrasing the original text or ideas in your own words while retaining the same meaning. Effective paraphrasing can demonstrate your language proficiency and help you avoid plagiarism.

Here are some tips to paraphrase effectively:

• Understand the original text or ideas: Before attempting to paraphrase, make sure you understand the original text or ideas fully.
• Original: The film was a huge success at the box office.
• Paraphrased: The movie achieved great financial success in theaters.
• Original: The report was written by the researcher who conducted the study.
• Paraphrased: The researcher who conducted the study was responsible for writing the report.
• Original: The company’s profits increased significantly last year.
• Paraphrased: There was a considerable increase in the profits of the company last year.
• Original: The city council will finalize their decision on the proposed development next month.
• Paraphrased: The decision regarding the proposed development will be made by the city council in the coming month.
• Check the accuracy: Make sure that the paraphrased version accurately reflects the meaning of the original text or ideas.

16. Make a list of useful phrases

Making a list of useful phrases for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 can be a helpful tool for organizing and structuring your ideas. Here are some phrases that can be used in your essay:

Introducing the topic :

• This essay will discuss…
• In recent years, there has been a growing concern about…
• It is widely acknowledged that…
• There is much debate about whether…
• The issue of … has become a controversial topic in recent years.

Stating your opinion :

• In my opinion…
• From my perspective…
• Personally, I believe that…

Agreeing and disagreeing :

• I completely agree with the idea…
• I cannot agree with the notion…
• While I see the point that… I still think that…

Presenting reasons and evidence :

• Moreover, …
• Furthermore, …
• In addition, …
• This is demonstrated by…

Providing examples :

• For instance, …
• As an illustration, …
• A good example of this is…
• For example, studies have shown that…
• An illustration of this can be seen in…
• To illustrate this point, let us consider…

Concluding the essay :

• In conclusion, …
• To sum up, …
• Overall, it can be concluded that…
• In conclusion, it is clear that…
• Therefore, it is imperative that…
• Overall, it can be argued that…
• It could be argued that…
• It is possible that…
• It seems likely that…

Giving recommendations :

• Therefore, it is recommended that…
• One possible solution to this problem could be…
• In order to address this issue, it is suggested that…

Supporting arguments :

• Firstly, it is important to consider…
• Another factor to consider is…
• Furthermore, it is worth noting that…
• It is also important to highlight…

Contrasting arguments :

• On the other hand, it could be argued that…
• In contrast to this viewpoint…
• However, it is important to consider the counterargument that…

Additional phrases for expressing opinion and degree of certainty :

• It is doubtful that…
• It is certain that…
• It is highly probable that…
• It is unlikely that…

Remember to use these phrases appropriately and in the right context.

17. Be flexible when thinking of ideas

It’s common to feel stuck when thinking of ideas for your IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 essay, but there are several strategies that can help you overcome this challenge:

• Take a few minutes to brainstorm all the ideas.
• Write down everything you can think of, no matter how unrelated or trivial it may seem.
• Use a mind map to visualize the relationships between different ideas and concepts.
• Conduct research on the topic to gather more information and ideas.
• Reading articles, books, or other sources can help you gain a better understanding of the topic and generate new ideas.
• Talk to others about the topic and exchange ideas.
• Do something else for a little while, and come back to the essay with a fresh mind.
• Look for writing prompts online or in writing guides to get inspiration for your essay topic.

18. Apply critical thinking to the essay

To apply critical thinking on the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, you need to use your thinking skills to develop a clear and well-supported argument.

Here are some simple steps to follow:

• Understand the question : Look at the question carefully and make sure you understand what it’s asking you to do.
• Use good evidence : Use good quality evidence to support your argument and think about how reliable and relevant it is.
• Bring ideas together : Combine different ideas from different sources to make a well-rounded argument.
• Think about assumptions : Consider any assumptions that may be hidden in your argument, and think about how they might affect your reasoning.
• Use logical reasoning : Make sure that your argument makes sense and is easy to follow.
• Consider different opinions : Think about what people who disagree with you might say and try to address those points in your writing.
• Draw conclusions : Think about all the evidence and ideas you’ve used and draw a conclusion that makes sense.

19. Avoid showing off

When writing for the IELTS Writing Task 2, using simpler vocabulary and grammar structures can help you to communicate your ideas more effectively. The examiners are not expecting complex language, but rather coherence and logic in your expression.

It’s best to avoid using advanced vocabulary and grammar structures that you’re unsure of, as it could negatively impact your score. Instead, use language that you’re comfortable with and can use accurately.

However, it’s still acceptable to use higher-level vocabulary and grammar structures if you’re confident in using them correctly. Just remember that accuracy and clarity are more important than complexity, so focus on expressing your ideas clearly and concisely.

20. Avoid generalizations and sweeping statements

Generalizations and sweeping statements are statements that lack specific evidence or acknowledgment of nuances.

For instance, claiming that “everyone knows technology has made life easier” assumes that all people share this opinion, without backing it up with evidence.

Similarly, saying “all politicians are corrupt” makes an absolute claim without considering the possibility of honest politicians. These statements oversimplify complex issues and overlook the diversity of opinions and experiences.

To avoid such errors in IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, it is necessary to support arguments with specific evidence, such as citing statistics, studies, or expert opinions

Additionally, acknowledging counterarguments and exceptions to one’s position is crucial to show critical thinking and consider diverse perspectives.

21. Provide a balanced argument with pros and cons

When presenting an argument, it’s important to provide a balanced perspective by including both the pros and cons of the topic being discussed. This approach helps to show that you have considered different viewpoints and have arrived at your own conclusion based on a thorough analysis of the issue.

For example, let’s consider the topic of social media. Here are some possible pros and cons that could be included in a balanced argument:

• Social media allows people to connect with others from around the world and build diverse communities.
• Social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness about important issues and promoting social change.
• Social media provides a platform for individuals and small businesses to promote themselves and their products/services without the need for a large advertising budget.
• Social media can provide a sense of belonging and validation for individuals who may feel isolated or disconnected in their everyday lives.
• Social media can be addictive and lead to negative effects on mental health, such as increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness.
• Social media can perpetuate the spread of fake news and misinformation, which can have negative impacts on individuals and society as a whole.
• Social media can contribute to the erosion of privacy, with personal data being collected and used for targeted advertising and other purposes.
• Social media can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, hate speech, and other forms of online harassment.

By presenting both the pros and cons of social media, you can provide a well-rounded argument that shows you have considered various aspects of the topic. This approach can help to make your argument more persuasive and increase your credibility as a writer or speaker.

22. Learn from model essays with high band scores

Learning from IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 model essays with high band scores can be very helpful for improving your own writing skills.

Here are some steps to follow:

• Read the topic carefully and understand it.
• Read a model essay to learn new vocabulary and sentence structures. Use critical thinking to evaluate the writer’s ideas.
• Write down your own ideas, using vocabulary you have learned.
• Use your own thoughts and opinions to write the essay.

Studying model essays can help you save time and generate ideas for your own writing. You can also learn new vocabulary words and sentence structures, write more confidently, and increase your confidence level significantly.

23. Evaluate your work

Evaluation helps you to identify and correct errors, improve coherence and cohesion, and ensure that your essay meets the criteria for the task. When evaluating your essay, you must ask yourself the following questions:

1. Does my essay address the task fully? Have I answered the question asked in the question?

• Make sure that you have read and understood the question.
• Make sure that your essay provides a clear and focused response to the question asked.

2. Have I organized my essay effectively?

• Your essay should have a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• The introduction should provide background information and a thesis statement.
• The body paragraphs should present and support your arguments.
• The conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis.

3. Have I used a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures?

• Using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures demonstrates your language proficiency and can help to make your essay more interesting and engaging to read.
• Avoid repeating the same words or phrases and try to use synonyms and different sentence structures to convey your ideas.

4. Have I used linking words and phrases to connect my ideas?

• Make sure that you have used appropriate linking words and phrases to connect your ideas and make your essay more coherent and cohesive.

5. Have I checked for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors?

• These errors can distract the examiner and lower your score on the task. Make sure that your essay is error-free before submitting it.
• Grammarly – a popular grammar checker that is available as a browser extension, desktop app, or web app.
• ProWritingAid – a writing tool that helps you improve your writing with suggestions for grammar, spelling, and style.
• LanguageTool – an online grammar checker that supports over 20 languages.
• QuillBot – a free online paraphrasing tool that uses AI technology to rewrite the text.
• Spinbot – a free online tool that helps you rewrite text by spinning it to create different versions.
• WordAi – a paid online tool that uses artificial intelligence to rewrite the text in a way that sounds natural.

24. Practice and seek feedback

Regular practice is important for improving writing skills, but it’s not enough on its own. Seeking feedback from different sources, such as teachers, peers, tutors, or online writing communities, is also vital.

Feedback helps identify what you’re good at and what you need to work on, and gives you valuable tips on how to improve. It’s crucial to seek constructive criticism from someone who can provide useful feedback, not just point out errors.

Combining practice with helpful feedback will help you make great progress in improving your writing skills.

25. Practice writing essays within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy

Practicing writing essays within the time limit not only improves your speed and accuracy but also enhances critical thinking skills and the ability to organize thoughts effectively. This helps in writing a coherent and persuasive essay necessary for scoring high marks.

However, it is crucial to maintain the quality of writing while writing within the time limit.

Therefore, it is necessary to focus on developing writing skills, ensuring a logical organization, and avoiding grammatical errors and spelling mistakes while practicing writing essays within the time limit.

In conclusion, the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 can be challenging, but with the right approach and strategies, it is possible to achieve a good score. The tips provided in this guide can help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the test.

Remember to practice regularly, stay focused, manage your time wisely, and most importantly, believe in yourself. With consistency and effort, you can achieve your desired score on the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2.

Related Posts

21 Complex Sentence Structures For IELTS Writing Task 1

All IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Types (+Tips & Examples)

100 Common Phrases For IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Plans & Pricing

• Practice Test
• Useful Tips – Tricks
• Full Writing Review
• General Writing Task
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2
• Writing Exercises
• Writing Sample – Topics
• Writing Vocabulary
• Speaking Vocabulary
• Intro Question
• Speaking Part 1
• Speaking Part 2
• Speaking Part 2 – Audio
• Speaking Part 3
• IELTS Books
• Recent Exams
• IELTS Vocabulary
• Essay from Examiners
• IELTS Ideas

IELTS App - For Mobile

Ready for the IELTS exam with our IELTS app. Over 2 million downloads

Popular Last 24h

Writing task 2: topic job, [ebook] ielts academic writing task 1 samples pdf, describe a film that made you laugh, ielts listening actual test with answers – test 3, describe a park/garden you like visiting, cue card #50: talk about someone who encourages you to achieve goals or someone who encouraged you to achieve a goal, describe a good advertisement that you think is useful.

• IELTS Test/Skills FAQs
• IELTS Scoring in Detail
• Forecast Speaking – 2023
• List IELTS Speaking Part 3
• List IELTS Speaking Part 1
• IELTS Writing 2023 – Actual Test

Our Telegram

Join our community for IELTS preparation and share and download materials.

The information on this site is for informational purposes only. IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, or IDP Education Australia.

Latest Articles

Ielts speaking part 1: travelling by plane (c.19), ielts speaking part 1: international food (c.19), describe a book – part 1, 2, 3, ielts speaking part 3: tips to answer questions, cue card – describe a gift you bought for someone, most popular, describe a person whom you met for the first time and made you happy, topic: experience is the best teacher, describe something difficult you would like to succeed in doing, in many countries，today there are many highly qualified graduates without employment..

ieltspracticeonline All Rights Reserved

• Top University in USA
• Top University in Canada
• Top University in Ireland
• Top Universities in UK
• Top Universities in Australia
• Best MBA Colleges in Abroad
• Business Management Studies Colleges

Top Countries

• Study in USA

Study in UK

Study in canada, study in australia, study in ireland.

• Study in Germany
• Study in China
• Study in Europe

Student Visas

• Student Visa Canada
• Student Visa UK
• Student Visa USA
• Student Visa Australia
• Student Visa Germany
• Student Visa New Zealand
• Student Visa Ireland
• JEE Main 2024
• MHT CET 2024
• JEE Advanced 2024
• BITSAT 2024
• View All Engineering Exams
• Colleges Accepting B.Tech Applications
• Top Engineering Colleges in India
• Engineering Colleges in India
• Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• Engineering Colleges Accepting JEE Main
• Top IITs in India
• Top NITs in India
• Top IIITs in India
• JEE Main College Predictor
• JEE Main Rank Predictor
• MHT CET College Predictor
• AP EAMCET College Predictor
• GATE College Predictor
• KCET College Predictor
• JEE Advanced College Predictor
• View All College Predictors
• JEE Advanced Cutoff
• JEE Main Cutoff
• MHT CET Result 2024
• JEE Advanced Result
• Download E-Books and Sample Papers
• Compare Colleges
• B.Tech College Applications
• AP EAMCET Result 2024
• MAH MBA CET Exam
• View All Management Exams

Colleges & Courses

• MBA College Admissions
• MBA Colleges in India
• Top IIMs Colleges in India
• Top Online MBA Colleges in India
• MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score
• BBA Colleges in India
• XAT College Predictor 2024
• SNAP College Predictor
• NMAT College Predictor
• MAT College Predictor 2024
• CMAT College Predictor 2024
• CAT Percentile Predictor 2024
• CAT 2024 College Predictor
• Top MBA Entrance Exams 2024
• AP ICET Counselling 2024
• GD Topics for MBA
• CAT Exam Date 2024
• Download Helpful Ebooks
• List of Popular Branches
• QnA - Get answers to your doubts
• IIM Fees Structure
• AIIMS Nursing
• Top Medical Colleges in India
• Top Medical Colleges in India accepting NEET Score
• Medical Colleges accepting NEET
• List of Medical Colleges in India
• List of AIIMS Colleges In India
• Medical Colleges in Maharashtra
• Medical Colleges in India Accepting NEET PG
• NEET College Predictor
• NEET PG College Predictor
• NEET MDS College Predictor
• NEET Rank Predictor
• DNB PDCET College Predictor
• NEET Result 2024
• NEET Asnwer Key 2024
• NEET Cut off
• NEET Online Preparation
• Download Helpful E-books
• Colleges Accepting Admissions
• Top Law Colleges in India
• Law College Accepting CLAT Score
• List of Law Colleges in India
• Top Law Colleges in Delhi
• Top NLUs Colleges in India
• Top Law Colleges in Chandigarh
• Top Law Collages in Lucknow

Predictors & E-Books

• CLAT College Predictor
• MHCET Law ( 5 Year L.L.B) College Predictor
• AILET College Predictor
• Sample Papers
• Compare Law Collages
• Careers360 Youtube Channel
• CLAT Syllabus 2025
• CLAT Previous Year Question Paper
• NID DAT Exam
• Pearl Academy Exam

Predictors & Articles

• NIFT College Predictor
• UCEED College Predictor
• NID DAT College Predictor
• NID DAT Syllabus 2025
• NID DAT 2025
• Design Colleges in India
• Top NIFT Colleges in India
• Fashion Design Colleges in India
• Top Interior Design Colleges in India
• Top Graphic Designing Colleges in India
• Fashion Design Colleges in Delhi
• Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
• Top Interior Design Colleges in Bangalore
• NIFT Result 2024
• NIFT Fees Structure
• NIFT Syllabus 2025
• Free Sample Papers
• Free Design E-books
• List of Branches
• Careers360 Youtube channel
• IPU CET BJMC
• JMI Mass Communication Entrance Exam
• IIMC Entrance Exam
• Media & Journalism colleges in Delhi
• Media & Journalism colleges in Bangalore
• Media & Journalism colleges in Mumbai
• List of Media & Journalism Colleges in India
• Free Ebooks
• CA Intermediate
• CA Foundation
• CS Executive
• CS Professional
• Difference between CA and CS
• Difference between CA and CMA
• CA Full form
• CMA Full form
• CS Full form
• CA Salary In India

Top Courses & Careers

• Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
• Master of Commerce (M.Com)
• Company Secretary
• Cost Accountant
• Charted Accountant
• Credit Manager
• Financial Advisor
• Top Commerce Colleges in India
• Top Government Commerce Colleges in India
• Top Private Commerce Colleges in India
• Top M.Com Colleges in Mumbai
• Top B.Com Colleges in India
• IT Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• IT Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
• MCA Colleges in India
• BCA Colleges in India

Quick Links

• Information Technology Courses
• Programming Courses
• Web Development Courses
• Data Analytics Courses
• Big Data Analytics Courses
• RUHS Pharmacy Admission Test
• Top Pharmacy Colleges in India
• Pharmacy Colleges in Pune
• Pharmacy Colleges in Mumbai
• Colleges Accepting GPAT Score
• Pharmacy Colleges in Lucknow
• List of Pharmacy Colleges in Nagpur
• GPAT Result
• GPAT 2024 Admit Card
• GPAT Question Papers
• NCHMCT JEE 2024
• Mah BHMCT CET
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Delhi
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Hyderabad
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Mumbai
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Maharashtra
• B.Sc Hotel Management
• Hotel Management
• Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology

Diploma Colleges

• Top Diploma Colleges in Maharashtra
• UPSC IAS 2024
• SSC CGL 2024
• IBPS RRB 2024
• Previous Year Sample Papers
• Free Competition E-books
• Sarkari Result
• QnA- Get your doubts answered
• UPSC Previous Year Sample Papers
• CTET Previous Year Sample Papers
• SBI Clerk Previous Year Sample Papers
• NDA Previous Year Sample Papers

Upcoming Events

• NDA Application Form 2024
• UPSC IAS Application Form 2024
• CDS Application Form 2024
• CTET Admit card 2024
• HP TET Result 2023
• SSC GD Constable Admit Card 2024
• UPTET Notification 2024
• SBI Clerk Result 2024

Other Exams

• SSC CHSL 2024
• UP PCS 2024
• UGC NET 2024
• RRB NTPC 2024
• IBPS PO 2024
• IBPS Clerk 2024
• IBPS SO 2024
• CBSE Class 10th
• CBSE Class 12th
• UP Board 10th
• UP Board 12th
• Bihar Board 10th
• Bihar Board 12th
• Top Schools in India
• Top Schools in Delhi
• Top Schools in Mumbai
• Top Schools in Chennai
• Top Schools in Hyderabad
• Top Schools in Kolkata
• Top Schools in Pune
• Top Schools in Bangalore

Products & Resources

• JEE Main Knockout April
• NCERT Notes
• NCERT Syllabus
• NCERT Books
• RD Sharma Solutions
• Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2024-25
• NCERT Solutions
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12
• NCERT Solutions for Class 11
• NCERT solutions for Class 10
• NCERT solutions for Class 9
• NCERT solutions for Class 8
• NCERT Solutions for Class 7
• CUET PG 2024
• IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2024
• DU Admission 2024
• UP B.Ed JEE 2024
• LPU NEST 2024
• IIT JAM 2024
• IGNOU Online Admission 2024
• Universities in India
• Top Universities in India 2024
• Top Colleges in India
• Top Universities in Uttar Pradesh 2024
• Top Universities in Bihar
• Top Universities in Madhya Pradesh 2024
• Top Universities in Tamil Nadu 2024
• Central Universities in India
• CUET DU Cut off 2024
• IGNOU Date Sheet
• CUET DU CSAS Portal 2024
• CUET Response Sheet 2024
• CUET Result 2024
• CUET Participating Universities 2024
• CUET Previous Year Question Paper
• CUET Syllabus 2024 for Science Students
• E-Books and Sample Papers
• CUET Exam Pattern 2024
• CUET Exam Date 2024
• CUET Cut Off 2024
• CUET Exam Analysis 2024
• IGNOU Exam Form 2024
• CUET PG Counselling 2024
• CUET Answer Key 2024

Engineering Preparation

• Knockout JEE Main 2024
• Test Series JEE Main 2024
• JEE Main 2024 Rank Booster

Medical Preparation

• Knockout NEET 2024
• Test Series NEET 2024
• Rank Booster NEET 2024

Online Courses

• JEE Main One Month Course
• NEET One Month Course
• IBSAT Free Mock Tests
• IIT JEE Foundation Course
• Knockout BITSAT 2024
• Career Guidance Tool

Top Streams

• IT & Software Certification Courses
• Engineering and Architecture Certification Courses
• Programming And Development Certification Courses
• Business and Management Certification Courses
• Marketing Certification Courses
• Health and Fitness Certification Courses
• Design Certification Courses
• Specializations
• Digital Marketing Certification Courses
• Cyber Security Certification Courses
• Artificial Intelligence Certification Courses
• Business Analytics Certification Courses
• Data Science Certification Courses
• Cloud Computing Certification Courses
• Machine Learning Certification Courses
• View All Certification Courses
• UG Degree Courses
• PG Degree Courses
• Short Term Courses
• Free Courses
• Online Degrees and Diplomas
• Compare Courses

Top Providers

• Coursera Courses
• Udemy Courses
• Edx Courses
• Swayam Courses
• upGrad Courses
• Simplilearn Courses
• Great Learning Courses

IELTS Writing Task 2 - Key Preparation Tips

• Eligibility
• Application
• Exam Centre
• Exam Pattern
• Preparation Tips

Commencing on IELTS preparation, especially for IELTS Writing Task 2, necessitates a blend of linguistic prowess and deep topic comprehension. Hence, the candidates are always in search of IELTS writing task 2 tips. The aspirants firmly believe that the tips for IELTS writing task 2 would help them to prepare better for the examination Whether you opt for IELTS preparation online or traditional methods, focusing on IELTS practice writing task 2 is crucial. This holds true for both the Academic and General Training modules .. Enhance your skills with IELTS writing practice, utilizing resources like IELTS writing practice tests and IELTS online writing practice tools. Aim for excellence, potentially reaching an IELTS practice band 9 score, by diligently practising and understanding the intricacies of this vital exam component.

IELTS:  Vocabulary Guide | Reading Practice Tests |  Listening Practice Tests |  Speaking Practice Tests  |  Writing Practice Tests

IELTS:  Sample papers | Preparation tips | Guide

Save 10% on your English Proficiency Tests through ApplyShop

IELTS writing task 2 - 8 key preparation tips 2024

Ielts writing task 2 sample question and answer, ielts writing preparation material 2024, ielts preparation books, ielts practice tests.

Through this article, the candidates are presented with a glimpse of the most necessary IELTS writing task 2. This writing task 2 article has all the components that are necessary for structuring your essay to revision and proofreading. This article is also a collection of most important IELTS writing task 2 tips that can help the candidates to prepare even better. These tips for writing task 2 are prepared by experts and gives an emphasis on key areas where the candidate must put their maximum efforts to yield maximum results. After going through each tip, the candidates can devise their own ideas for writing task 2 in structuring their essay and so on. The IELTS Writing Task 2 constitutes more than 60% of the overall writing assessment. The candidates must practice the common IELTS writing task 2 topics to enhance their understanding of the section. This can also help them to understand the various IELTS writing task 2 questions as well as the IELTS writing task 2 structure. Understanding the various IELTS writing task 2 tips can help the candidates to improve their scores.

1. Understanding the task:

The foremost step in IELTS preparation, specifically for IELTS Writing Task 2, is grasping its core requirements. It is always beneficial for the candidates if they have a prior understanding of the essay types in IELTS task 2. You must compose an essay in response to a prompt in this part. The essay should contain a variety of intricate concepts and arguments and be at least 250 words in length. While general training applicants may face themes more directly relevant to everyday life, academic candidates typically deal with topics of an academic nature.

TOEFL ® Registrations 2024

Accepted by more than 11,000 universities in over 150 countries worldwide

Shortlist best ranked universities & get expert guidance

2. Time management:

Time management is one of the main challenges of IELTS Writing Task 2. You have forty minutes to read the essay prompt, organise your thoughts, and compose your essay. It is best to take about five minutes to consider the topic and organise your answer, then allot about thirty-five minutes for writing. Enhancing your IELTS preparation through disciplined IELTS writing practice sessions, where you rigorously practice this timing strategy, can significantly boost your efficiency on the actual test day.

3. Identifying the essay type:

Essays for Writing Task 2 can take many different formats, including discussion essays, advantage-disadvantage essays, problem-solution essays, and opinion essays. Understanding the sort of essay is essential as it determines the language and structure you should employ. For instance, you must state your position in an opinion essay, but you must offer answers to a problem in a problem-solution essay.

4. Structuring your essay:

An essay with structure improves readability and facilitates more efficient communication of your thoughts. The classic essay format in IELTS Writing Task 2 comprises an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Initially, present your key concepts with a succinct thesis statement, a vital skill in IELTS preparation online . Your major concepts should be outlined in the beginning, along with a concise thesis statement. Each of the body paragraphs should concentrate on a distinct idea and provide examples or supporting data. Your main ideas should be summed up and your argument should be restated in the conclusion.

5. Developing ideas and examples:

Examiners look for your ability to develop and present ideas logically in Task 2. Make sure the examples you provide to bolster your points are pertinent and precise. When talking about a topic, give specific examples of the problem and make reasonable suggestions for solutions. To show that you have a thorough understanding, make sure your examples are varied and encompass a variety of situations.

6. Vocabulary and cohesion:

A well-stocked vocabulary and well-crafted language use are major factors in making your writing flow better, but it also demonstrates your command of language. The flow of ideas from the beginning till the end should be well connected.

7. Grammar and punctuation:

In IELTS Writing Task 2, errors in grammar and punctuation can significantly impact your score. It's crucial in your IELTS preparation to pay close attention to sentence structure, verb tenses, and subject-verb agreement. Although using complicated sentences is recommended, make sure they follow the grammar rules. Commas, colons, semicolons and question marks are examples of punctuation, which are essential to communicating your intended meaning.

8. Revision and proofreading:

Time should be managed in such a way so that a few minutes to review your essay can be one by the end. Recheck for consistency, grammar, and spelling issues. The overall impact your essay makes on the examiner might be greatly influenced by seemingly insignificant things.

Question- In the age of technology, online education has become increasingly prevalent. Some believe that it is a revolutionary development in learning, offering flexibility and accessibility. Others argue that traditional classroom-based education is still superior, fostering a more interactive and disciplined learning environment. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online education and traditional classroom learning.

Share your viewpoint on which form of education you believe is more effective and why.

IELTS writing task 2 strategies

Step 1: First, we need to understand the question, understand the key ideas and then start brainstorming.

Step 2: Brainstorming with the important pointers for example-

Listing the Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Education

Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses

Manipal University Online MBA

Apply for Online MBA from Manipal University

Advantages:

Flexibility - learn at one's own pace.

Accessibility - available to learners globally.

Diverse learning styles - accommodate different approaches to learning.

Cost-effectiveness - potentially reduces expenses associated with commuting or accommodation.

Disadvantages:

Lack of face-to-face interaction - may hinder social and interpersonal skill development.

Potential for distractions - requires self-discipline.

Limited immediate feedback - may impact the learning process.

Technical issues - reliance on internet connectivity and devices.

Listing the Advantages and Disadvantages of Traditional Classroom Learning

Face-to-face interaction - immediate feedback and personal connection with instructors.

Structured environment - facilitates focused learning.

Social development - opportunities for collaboration and networking.

Immersive experience - hands-on activities and real-time discussions.

Inflexibility - may not accommodate non-traditional schedules.

Geographical constraints - may require physical presence in specific locations.

Potential for intimidation - some students may feel uncomfortable participating in class.

Limited access to resources - depends on the facilities of the educational institution.

Step 3: Personal Viewpoint

This can involve favouring one strategy over another or realising the benefits of a hybrid or mixed approach.

IELTS writing task 2 sample answer

Introduction -.

The Covid-19 pandemic caused a significant alteration to the global educational system. Due to lockdown restrictions, which forced physical schools to close, online learning became the new norm. While online learning has helped preserve education during these difficult times, it cannot completely replace it. Both traditional classroom environments and online learning provide advantages and disadvantages.

Body paragraph 1 -

Technology breakthroughs have brought about a permanent change in the way that education is delivered. In actuality, online education has evolved into a flexible pedagogical approach that permits learners to easily retrieve course materials from the comfort of their own homes. For students who are unable to join traditional programs, online learning provides an excellent option and gives them the flexibility to study at their speed. But it also creates a sense of isolation and the screen timing part also can be harmful in some cases. The technical issue is another drawback which can act as a great barrier for some.

Body paragraph 2 -

While the most effective learning method in a typical classroom is hands-on practice since it facilitates comprehension and clearer thinking. With peers, interaction and active learning occur more frequently. Students perform better on exams when teachers give each student their full attention. However, the tight timetable and the travel time also interfere with the remaining daily plans.

IELTS preparation materials can provide additional support to candidate's IELTS preparation. Hence, they are advised to take help from the expertly crafted IELTS preparation books designed by Careers360 to enhance their IELTS preparation.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Key takeaways

The effectiveness of each strategy ultimately depends on the learner's unique objectives, the nature of the material, and their preferred method of learning. A hybrid model that combines the best aspects of traditional and online teaching methods may hold the key to satisfying the diverse needs of today's students while providing a flexible and comprehensive educational experience.

The essential takeaway for mastering IELTS Writing Task 2 is consistent practice. Familiarize yourself with a broad spectrum of essay topics and rigorously engage in IELTS writing practice within the designated time frame. Seek feedback from instructors, tutors, or language partners to identify areas for improvement. As you intensify your IELTS online writing practice, your proficiency and confidence will naturally enhance, inching you closer to achieving a high band score, such as IELTS practice band 9.

IELTS Practice Tests are essential for a candidate's success in the IELTS examination. These IELTS mock tests ensures that the candidates receive the maximum possible IELTS practice which helps them to understand their weak areas and prepare accordingly which can strengthen their skills and thereby their IELTS scores.

IELTS writing practice tests

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

You can bolster your core ideas with instances and supporting details by using linking words and phrases. To make it simple for readers to follow your argument(s), you must properly label these. They help to create coherence and cohesion in your communication by indicating relationships between different parts of your text. Examples of linking words include "however," "therefore," "in addition," "furthermore," "on the other hand," and "consequently." 

Adding anecdotes, data, questions, or quotations can add a lot of interest. To make an introduction more creative, use interesting language, tell a story, ask a question, share a surprising fact, or start with a quote. These approaches can grab the reader's attention and make your introduction more engaging and memorable.

It becomes intriguing when different terminology is used, such as idiomatic languages, jargon, and broad terms. It's important to use vocabulary that you are comfortable with and that fits naturally within the context of your response. Avoid forcing unfamiliar words into your speech, as this can sound unnatural and may negatively impact your fluency score. 

Contraction should be avoided as it can hamper the score as it hampers the formal tone. In formal or academic writing, such as essays for exams like the IELTS, it's best to avoid contractions to maintain a more professional tone. Instead of "can't," "don't," or "won't," use "cannot," "do not," or "will not." This helps to ensure clarity and precision in your writing, 

Of course, but also by keeping the proper proportions of all other viewpoints. However, it's important to support your opinion with evidences and examples. Your essay should show critical thinking skills by presenting a well-structured argument with clear supporting viewpoints. 

To write Task 2 in the IELTS Writing test, first understand the question, then plan your essay. Write an introduction stating your opinion, develop your ideas in body paragraphs, and conclude by summarizing your points. Finally, proofread for errors and make revisions to improve clarity and coherence.

Preparing for IELTS Writing Task 2 involves several key steps. Start by understanding the task types and typical essay structures required (introduction, body paragraphs with clear arguments, and a conclusion). Practice writing essays within the time limit to improve your ability to organize your thoughts and manage time effectively. Focus on developing strong arguments supported by examples and evidence, and ensure coherence by linking ideas logically throughout your essay. Lastly, review and learn from sample essays to understand what constitutes a high-scoring response and improve your writing accordingly.

• Latest Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

• Most Viewed

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

• Universities
• Popular Articles

Popular Courses and Specializations

Popular degrees.

• B.Sc.(Hons)

Popular Branches

• Computer Science

Related E-books & Sample Papers

Ace ielts speaking: expert conversations & top tips for 8+ bands.

61 + Downloads

IELTS Exam Guide

19833 + Downloads

IELTS 2024 Listening Section - Study Material PDF

2059 + Downloads

IELTS 2024 Preparation Tips PDF

13531 + Downloads

IELTS Reading Practice PDF

8354 + Downloads

IELTS 2024 Writing Task 1 & Task 2 - Study Material PDF

11987 + Downloads

IELTS & TOEFL Vocabulary Guide PDF

7076 + Downloads

IELTS Sample Papers Academic Writing (Set 1)

3853 + Downloads

IELTS Sample Papers General Writing (Set 1)

1134 + Downloads

IELTS Sample Papers General Reading (Sets 1-10)

1073 + Downloads

IELTS Sample Papers Academic Reading (Sets 1-12)

1227 + Downloads

IELTS Sample Papers Academic Listening (Sets 1-10)

922 + Downloads

Questions related to IELTS

As a first-year B.Com student aiming to pursue an MBA abroad, it's advisable to plan your IELTS exam strategically. Typically, candidates begin preparing for the IELTS around the end of their second year of undergraduate studies to allow sufficient time for language proficiency development and exam readiness by the time they complete their degree. Invicta Career Consultancy offers tailored guidance to help you plan your IELTS preparation timeline effectively, ensuring you meet the language requirements for MBA programs abroad. Their comprehensive support includes personalized strategies for exam preparation, application guidance, and navigating the admission process to top international universities, setting a solid foundation for your career aspirations in business management.

It is very highly unlikely to obtain a legitimate IELTS certificate without taking the exam. Any claims suggesting otherwise are likely scams. It is essential to take the exam through authorized testing centers to ensure the validity and credibility of the certificate.

Hope this helps you ,

Choosing between the IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic tests depends on your goals and English proficiency. Generally, the IELTS General Training is considered easier for those focused on work, immigration, or training programs, with its emphasis on everyday language in the Reading and Writing sections. In contrast, the IELTS Academic test is more challenging, featuring complex academic texts and tasks suitable for university admissions and higher education. For personalized guidance on selecting the right test and preparing effectively, consider consulting Invicta Career Consultancy, which offers comprehensive support including test preparation and tailored advice to help you achieve your English language proficiency goals.

Hello aspirant,

Opinions on the E-GMAT course vary. Some find it beneficial for improving GMAT skills, especially in verbal sections, while others may prefer different resources. It's essential to explore reviews, consider your learning style, and maybe try a trial or sample to see if it aligns with your preferences before making a decision.

So it all depends on your personal opinion.

Hope this information helps you.

Many candidates ask whether their IELTS certificate is real or fake. To know if your IELTS test report is real or not, check the following points:

Check the certification stamp on the certificate if it matches the centre of registration and your selected IELTS test centre .

Visit the IDP IELTS official website after receiving the oft copy of your certificate via email to check whether it is available online and if it is valid.

Make sure that you receive the confirmation of your IELTS registration from the centre you registered. Also, check the login credentials to verify your IELTS results once the process is complete.

Collect the hard copy of the IELTS scorecard directly from the test centre once the results are announced.

Talk to the agent directly on the phone to verify his identity.

Verify all the above-mentioned points carefully to not get deceived by any fraud attempts.

Applications for Admissions are open.

GRE ® Registrations 2024

Apply for GRE® Test now & save 10% with ApplyShop Gift Card | World's most used Admission Test for Graduate & Professional Schools

PTE Exam 2024 Registrations

Register now for PTE & Save 5% on English Proficiency Tests with ApplyShop Gift Cards

Explore Universities, Courses & Subjects | Work while study

Apply for upcoming intake & plan your journey

MET Institute of International Studies BBA Admissions 2024

B.Sc (Hons)/BA (Hons) Business Administration, is an International BBA programme offered at MET Institute of International Studies, Mumbai

Stay up-to date with IELTS News

Download careers360 app's.

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

Certifications

We Appeared in

IELTS Mentor "IELTS Preparation & Sample Answer"

• Skip to content
• Jump to main navigation and login

Nav view search

• IELTS Sample

IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

Ielts academic and gt essay/ writing task 2 sample.

IELTS Writing Task 2 ( also known as IELTS Essay Writing ) is the second task of your IELTS Writing test. Here, you will be presented with an essay topic and you will be scored based on your ability to respond to the topic.

You need to write at least 250 words and justify your opinion with arguments, discussion, examples, problem outlining, proposing possible solutions and supporting your position. You will have approximately 40 minutes to finish your Essay Writing. IELTS Writing Task 2 carries more weights than Writing Task 1.

Are you planning to take your IELTS Exam soon? Take an online course and achieve your dream score on your IELTS test.

Page 1 of 77

IELTS Materials

• IELTS Bar Graph
• IELTS Line Graph
• IELTS Table Chart
• IELTS Flow Chart
• IELTS Pie Chart
• IELTS Letter Writing
• IELTS Essay
• Academic Reading

Useful Links

• IELTS Secrets
• Band Score Calculator
• Exam Specific Tips
• Useful Websites
• IELTS Preparation Tips
• Academic Reading Tips
• Academic Writing Tips
• GT Writing Tips
• Listening Tips
• Speaking Tips
• IELTS Grammar Review
• IELTS Vocabulary
• IELTS Cue Cards
• IELTS Life Skills
• Letter Types

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• HTML Sitemap

Do's and Don'ts in IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 ( also known as IELTS Essay Writing ) is the second task of your IELTS Writing test. Here, you will be presented with an essay topic and you will be scored based on your ability to respond to the topic.

You need to write at least 250 words and justify your opinion with arguments, discussion, examples, problem outlining, proposing possible solutions and supporting your position. You will have approximately 40 minutes to finish your Essay Writing. IELTS Writing Task 2 carries more weights than Writing Task 1.

Source: IELTS Mentor

Share with friends

Scan below qr code to share with your friends, related ielts tips.

How to Describe a Pie Chart in IELTS Writing Task 1?

In IELTS Academic writing task 1, you write a report in minimum...

How to Write ‘Advantages & Disadvantages’ Question in IELTS Writing Task 2?

The first step to scoring well in task 2 of writing is to correctly...

IELTS Writing Task 1 Analysis (Moving to New House) – Band 7

  In this article, we will analyse IELTS writing task 1 response of...

How to Describe a Table in IELTS Writing Task 1?

  In IELTS writing task 1 of academic module, you find different types...

How to Brainstorm the Right Content for IELTS Writing Task 1?

IELTS writing task 1 for the academic module is challenging. It...

Thank you for contacting us!

We have received your message.

We will get back within 48 hours.

You have subscribed successfully.

Thank you for your feedback, we will investigate and resolve the issue within 48 hours.

Your answers has been saved successfully.

Add Credits

You do not have enough iot credits.

Your account does not have enough IOT Credits to complete the order. Please purchase IOT Credits to continue.

• IELTS Exam 2024
• How to Apply for IELTS
• IELTS Exam Pattern
• IELTS Registration
• IELTS Syllabus
• IELTS Eligibility
• IELTS Practice Test
• IELTS Exam Fee
• IELTS Band Score Calculate
• IELTS Score Validity
• IELTS Important Dates
• IELTS scholarship
• IELTS Slot Booking
• Check Your IELTS Score
• IELTS Exam 2024: Exam Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Preparation Tips, Results & Score

Format, Types and Syllabus For IELTS

• IELTS Exam Pattern 2024: Detailed Guide to Test Format, Sections, and Tips
• Types of IELTS Exam 2024: Sections, Patterns & More
• IELTS Exam Dates 2024: Schedule, Registration Deadlines, and Test Centers
• Top 5 Common Reasons for IELTS Application Rejection
• IELTS Speaking: Test Format, Score, and Sample Topics with Answers
• Common IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics 2024
• IELTS Band Descriptors For Writing, Reading, Listening & Speaking
• Top IELTS Reading Tips to Boost Your Score: Proven Strategies for Success

IELTS Writing Task 2: Top Tips for Achieving a High Band Score in 2024

• Top IELTS Speaking Topics 2024: High-Scoring Questions and Answers
• IELTS Indicator: Overview, Key Features & All You Need to Know
• Top 7 Collocations Types For IELTS: Use of Collocations in IELTS Writing

IELTS Free Study Materials

• Top 10 Useful IELTS 2024 Preparation Websites
• Most Common IELTS Spelling Mistakes Which You Should Avoid
• Latest IELTS Writing Task 1 Topics 2024- (Graphs, Charts, Maps, Processes)
• 40+ IELTS Cue Card Topics 2024 With Sample Answers
• Top 10 IELTS Preparation Books 2024: Recommended List by Experts
• List of 300+ IELTS Vocabulary Words: New and Difficult Words
• 150+ Common Proverbs with Meaning and Examples for IELTS Exam
• Most Commonly Mispronounced words in IELTS Speaking
• Recent Most Popular 100+ IELTS Essay Topics of 2024
• Top Idioms for IELTS Speaking: Enhance Your Band Score
• Most Common Verb Tenses to Score High in IELTS 2024

IELTS Online and Offline Coaching

• Top 10 Online Free IELTS Preparation Courses 2024
• List of Top 10 IELTS Coaching Centres in Chennai
• Top IELTS Coaching Centres in Chandigarh in 2024
• Best IELTS Coaching in Pune: Top Institutes, Courses, and Success Tips
• Top 10 IELTS Coaching in Bangalore 2024: Best Institutes, Courses, and Fees
• Best IELTS Coaching in Delhi 2024| List of Top 10
• Top 10 IELTS Coaching Centres in Gurgaon 2024

Cutoff and Scores of IELTS

• IELTS Cut Off 2024: Check IELTS Minimum Score for Top Universities
• What is the highest band in IELTS exam?
• Average IELTS Score 2024: Key Insights and Trends
• IELTS Reading Score 2024: Calculation, Band Descriptors & Score Chart
• IELTS Listening Band Score: Meaning & Score Calculations
• IELTS Writing Score 2024: Tips to Improve & Achieve High Band
• IELTS Writing Task 1 & Task 2 Tips| Everything You Need to Know!

Name of Colleges Accepting IELTS Scores

• How to Send IELTS Scores to Universities 2024?
• IELTS Minimum Score: Essential Guide to Required Band Scores for Top Universities
• Top 10 IELTS Coaching Centres in India 2024
• IELTS Score for USA- Minimum Score Required in 2024
• Minimum IELTS Score to Study in Canada Universities in 2024
• Top 50+ Universities Accepting IELTS Scores: Check Country-Wise List
• IELTS Score Requirements for Top Australian Universities 2024 | Achieve Your Study Goals
• Minimum IELTS Score for an Australia Student Visa
• List of IELTS Accepted Universities in Canada in 2024
• Top UK Universities Accepting IELTS Scores in 2024: Band Requirements & Admission Tips
• List of Top IELTS Accepted Universities in Australia

Tips for IELTS Exam

• How to Crack the IELTS Exam in First Attempt 2024 | Section-Wise Tips & Strategies
• IELTS Preparation at Home: Top Strategies and Resources for High Scores 2024
• How to Achieve a 9 Band in IELTS Exam 2024: Top Tips and Strategies
• IELTS Writing 2024: Tips, Strategies, and High-Scoring Sample Essays
• Top 10 IELTS Speaking Tips and Expert Advice
• Top News Papers We Can Follow For IELTS
• Difference between PTE Academic & IELTS Academic : Latest Updates 2024
• 6 Useful Tips on How to Manage Time in IELTS Reading Section
• Top 10 IELTS Listening Tips 2024: Proven Strategies for High Scores
• IELTS Scholarship For 2024: All You Need to Know!
• Boost Your Reading Speed and Accuracy for IELTS Reading Test
• IELTS Exam: 8 Weeks Study Plan
• IELTS 2024 Test Report Form: Steps to Download & Online Verification
• Grammar for IELTS: Important Topics, Rules & Tips
• IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is Easier for Indian Students?
• PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL: Top Differences and Which Test to Choose in 2024
• IELTS Academic vs General Tests - What's the Difference?
• How to Write IELTS Essays to Score Band 9!
• Connectors for IELTS Speaking Test: Know How to Use
• How to Use Adverbs of Frequency in IELTS Essays?
• 10 Common IELTS Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• How to Score 6.5 Band in the IELTS Test: Proven Tips and Strategies
• 5 Reasons for a Low Band Score in IELTS Essay Writing
• IELTS Mock Tests FREE 2024- Download IELTS Practice Test PDF

Achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2 is crucial for overall IELTS success. This task requires you to write a well-structured essay in response to a given topic, demonstrating your ability to present and justify an argument, discuss problems, or evaluate solutions. To help you excel, we’ve compiled essential tips and strategies tailored for 2024.

From understanding the task requirements to practicing with high-scoring sample essays, our guide covers everything you need to know. Enhance your writing skills, manage your time effectively, and impress the examiners with your insightful and coherent essays.

IELTS Writing Task 2

Table of Content

• IELTS Writing Task 2- Format
• Difference Between IELTS Writing Task 2- Academic Vs General
• Understanding the Evaluation Criteria

Common IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

• Band Descriptors IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Essay Types for Writing Task 2

• IELTS Writing Task 2 Preparation Tips

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample

Some important aspects of IELTS Writing Task 2 and tips are mentioned below for better understanding:

Understand the Task Requirements

To perform well, you must thoroughly understand the task requirements. IELTS Writing Task 2 typically involves writing an essay on one of the following types:

• Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
• Discussion (Discuss Both Views)
• Problem-Solution
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Direct Question

Key Points:

• Carefully read the prompt to identify the type of essay required.
• Ensure you address all parts of the question in your response.

Plan Your Essay Structure

A well-structured essay is crucial for a high band score. Spend a few minutes planning your essay before you start writing. A typical structure includes:

• Introduction : Introduce the topic and state your thesis.
• Body Paragraphs : Develop your main points with supporting evidence and examples.
• Conclusion : Summarize your main points and restate your thesis.

Tips for Planning:

• Outline your main points and examples before writing.
• Ensure each paragraph has a clear main idea and supporting details.

IELTS 2024 Practice Mock Tests FREE:

Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement should clearly express your position or response to the essay question. It serves as the backbone of your essay and guides your argument.

Tips for a Strong Thesis:

• Make it specific and concise.
• Ensure it directly addresses the essay prompt.

Use Clear and Cohesive Language

Using clear and cohesive language helps to convey your ideas effectively. Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas and ensure your essay flows smoothly.

Linking Words and Phrases:

• For adding information: Moreover, Furthermore, In addition
• For contrasting: However, On the other hand, Although
• For concluding: In conclusion, To sum up, Overall

Practice Time Management

Time management is crucial for completing IELTS Writing Task 2 within the 40-minute time frame. Allocate time for planning, writing, and reviewing your essay.

Time Management Tips:

• Spend 5 minutes planning your essay.
• Allocate 30 minutes for writing.
• Use the last 5 minutes to review and make corrections.

Enhance Your Vocabulary and Grammar

A wide range of vocabulary and accurate grammar usage are essential for a high band score. Practice using synonyms, varied sentence structures, and advanced grammar forms.

Vocabulary Building:

• Read extensively to expose yourself to new words.
• Use vocabulary lists and flashcards.
• Practice writing essays and incorporate new words.

Grammar Tips:

• Review common grammar rules and practice applying them.
• Pay attention to subject-verb agreement, tenses, and punctuation.

Review High-Scoring Sample Essays

Reviewing high-scoring sample essays can provide insights into what examiners look for in a top-scoring response. Analyze these essays to understand their structure, language, and content.

Benefits of Sample Essays:

• Identify effective essay structures.
• Learn how to develop arguments and support them with evidence.
• Understand the use of cohesive devices and varied vocabulary.

Get Feedback and Practice Regularly

Regular practice and feedback are key to improvement. Write essays on various topics and seek feedback from teachers, tutors, or peers.

Practice Tips:

• Set aside time each day for writing practice.
• Use IELTS writing prompts to simulate exam conditions.
• Review feedback and work on areas that need improvement.

The IELTS Writing Task 2 covers a wide range of topics related to contemporary issues and problems. Here are some common topics that frequently appear in the IELTS Writing Task 2:

1. Education:

• The role of technology in education
• The importance of extracurricular activities
• The advantages and disadvantages of single gender schools

2. Environment:

• Climate change and its impacts
• Sustainable development and environmental conservation
• The use of renewable energy sources
• The impact of lifestyle choices on health
• The role of government in promoting public health
• The advantages and disadvantages of alternative medicine

4. Society and Culture:

• The effects of globalization on local cultures
• The impact of social media on human interactions
• The role of religion in modern society

5. Technology:

• The advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence
• The impact of technology on employment and job markets
• The role of technology in communication and information sharing

6. Urbanization and Transportation:

• The challenges of urban growth and city planning
• The benefits and drawbacks of public transportation
• The impact of transportation on the environment

7. Crime and Justice:

• The causes and prevention of crime
• The effectiveness of different types of punishment
• The role of the criminal justice system in society

8. Economics and Business:

• The impact of globalization on international trade
• The role of advertising in influencing consumer behavior
• The advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing

9. Government and Politics:

• The importance of freedom of speech and press
• The role of government in regulating the economy
• The impact of immigration on societies

10. Arts and Culture:

• The importance of preserving cultural heritage
• The role of art in society
• The impact of censorship on artistic expression

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, candidates are required to write an essay in response to a prompt or question. There are several common types of essays that may appear in Task 2:

1. Argumentative/Opinion Essays: These essays require candidates to express their opinion on a given topic and support it with reasons and examples. They often involve discussing both sides of an issue and presenting a clear argument in favor of one viewpoint.

2. Discussion/Two-sided Essays: Similar to argumentative essays, discussion essays require candidates to discuss both sides of an issue before expressing their opinion or preference. They need to provide balanced arguments and consider opposing viewpoints.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages Essays : In these essays, candidates need to discuss the pros and cons of a particular issue, situation, or trend. They should provide examples to illustrate each point and offer a balanced analysis.

4. Problem-Solution Essays: These essays involve identifying a problem or issue, discussing its causes and effects, and proposing possible solutions or measures to address it. Candidates need to present logical arguments and support their solutions with evidence.

5. Cause and Effect Essays: Cause and effect essays focus on analyzing the reasons behind a specific phenomenon or event and its subsequent effects. Candidates should clearly outline the causal relationships and provide relevant examples.

6. Comparison/Contrast Essays: These essays require candidates to compare and contrast two or more ideas, concepts, or approaches. They should highlight similarities and differences and draw conclusions based on their analysis.

7. Process Essays: Process essays explain a sequence of steps or actions involved in a particular process, such as how to do something or how something works. Candidates need to provide clear explanations and use appropriate transition words to guide the reader through each step.

8. Agree/Disagree Essays: In these essays, candidates are given a statement or opinion, and they need to express whether they agree or disagree with it. They should support their stance with reasons and examples.

Here is a practice IELTS Writing Task 2 topic for you: Topic: Some people believe that governments should make more efforts to protect indigenous cultures and languages from disappearing. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words discussing both viewpoints and giving your opinion.

• Make a plan before you start writing. Outline your introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion.
• The introduction should paraphrase the topic and outline what will be discussed.
• Discuss both sides of the argument in the body paragraphs. One paragraph arguing for protecting indigenous cultures/languages, one paragraph arguing against or giving the opposite view.
• Use examples, data or personal experiences to support your arguments.
• The conclusion should summarize your main points and give a clear opinion.
• Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures. Avoid repetition.
• Check for grammar, spelling and punctuation errors.

In conclusion, while protecting indigenous cultures and languages is undoubtedly important for preserving human diversity and heritage, it should be balanced with practical considerations and the interests of the wider community. A nuanced approach that promotes understanding and appreciation while accommodating evolving societal needs is ideal.

IELTS Writing Task 2- FAQs

What are indigenous cultures and languages.

Indigenous cultures and languages refer to the traditional practices, belief systems, and modes of expression of ethnic groups native to a particular region or country.

Why is it important to protect indigenous cultures and languages?

Protecting indigenous cultures and languages helps preserve unique identities, traditional knowledge, and cultural diversity, which are valuable aspects of human heritage and can contribute to our understanding of history, societies, and the environment.

What are some challenges in protecting indigenous cultures and languages?

Challenges include globalization, urbanization, lack of resources, and a shift towards more dominant cultures and languages, which can lead to the erosion of indigenous practices and languages over time.

What role can governments play in protecting indigenous cultures and languages?

Governments can implement policies to support the use and teaching of indigenous languages, provide funding for cultural preservation efforts, and promote awareness and appreciation of indigenous cultures through education and media.

Are there any potential drawbacks to prioritizing the protection of indigenous cultures and languages?

Potential drawbacks include the allocation of limited resources towards this effort at the expense of other priorities, the potential for cultural stagnation or resistance to cultural evolution, and the risk of creating divisions or conflicts within diverse societies.

Please Login to comment...

Similar reads.

• Study Abroad

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

• TOEFL Writing Correction Topics
• OET Mock Tests
• Writing Correction
• Speaking Mock Test
• Reading Course
• Listening Practice Tests
• FREE Practice Tests
• IELTS Writing Correction
• IELTS Speaking Practice
• OET Writing Correction
• OET Reading Course
• OET Speaking Mock Test
• TOEFL Writing Correction
• PTE Writing Correction
• OET Listening Practice Tests
• OET (Occupational English Test)
• PTE (Pearson Test of English)

Grammar for IELTS Essay Writing Task 2

• GT Task 1 Letter
• Academic Task 1 Report
• Essay task 2

IELTS writing task 1 and task 2 in the IELTS use the same scoring criteria. However, task 2, which is an essay, requires a minimum of 250 words and carries more marks than writing task 1. It also allows more opportunities for using a wide range of grammatical structures.

Table of Contents

1.2 compound, 1.3 complex.

• Conditionals
• Relative pronouns
• Adverbial Phrases
• Punctuation
• Gerunds and Infinitives
• Subject-verb agreement
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample
• 10.1 Suggested Structures for Various Essay Types

10.2 How to Give Opinion

10.3 how to list advantages and disadvantages, 10.4 how to express problem and solutions, 10.5 how to make a comparison, 1. sentence structures.

Using a variety of sentence structures is crucial if you want to get a high band score. This doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to only incorporating complex sentences, but rather a combination of simple and compound sentences as well.

Contains one independent clause.

Example: Traffic has become a big problem in the city.

Contains two independent clauses joined with a coordinating conjunction. Remember to always use a comma before coordinating conjunctions when joining two independent clauses together

Example: Traffic has become a big problem in the city, so it is time the community finds a solution.

Contains a dependent clause and a subordinating conjunction.

Example: Traffic has become a big problem in the city because of the increase in the number of cars on the road.

2. Conditionals

Conditional sentences might not be suitable for all essays, but whenever you can use them, you should, as they are an excellent way of including more advanced sentence structures.

Familiarise yourself with the structures of conditionals:

• 1st conditional: If + present simple, will
• 2nd conditional: If + past simple, would
• 3rd conditional: If + past perfect, would have

Example: In my opinion, if the entire world worked together, climate change would no longer be a problem.

3. Relative pronouns

Using relative pronouns to create more complex sentences and add information is essential if you’re aiming for a high band score.

Relative pronouns ( like which, where, when, whose, who, and that ) modify nouns.

If the information added is crucial to the meaning of the sentence, you don’t have to use commas. However, if it’s not important, you can place it between commas.

Example: Governments play a crucial role in shaping environmental policies, which are increasingly seen as essential for sustainable development.”

4. Adverbial Phrases

This is an excellent way to add more information to your simple sentences. These are phrases that can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to provide information on time, place, manner, or frequency.

Don’t forget to place a comma after the adverbial phrase.

Example: In developing countries, access to clean water remains a big issue.

5. Punctuation

The comma is the punctuation symbol that gets overused or misused most often.

Avoid writing unnecessarily long sentences and make use of conjunctions.

When should you use a comma?

• Place a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, yet, so, or nor, for) to join two complete ideas (independent clauses).
• Use a comma after a phrase or clause that introduces a sentence, signalling the end of the introductory part and the beginning of the main clause.
• Use commas when separating each item in a series of three or more items that have the same function and form in a sentence.
• Enclose clauses that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence (nonrestrictive clauses). These clauses can begin with relative pronouns like who, whom, whose, that, and which.

6. Gerunds and Infinitives

Gerunds are verbs ending with -ing that function as nouns in sentences.

Example: Creating a plan to improve waste management is a crucial step to ensuring you succeed.

Infinites are the base of the verb with “to” in front.

Example: The community refuses to give up.

7. Subject-verb agreement

This is a fundamental rule in IELTS writing. If the subject in the sentence is singular, the verb has to be as well. To master this, you need to be able to differentiate between singular and plural nouns.

“A group of people” is often mistaken for plural. However, saying “the group” makes it singular.

Example: The government has implemented new laws.

All tenses must be used accurately within this essay to ensure your meaning is clear. On top of this, you’ll need to incorporate a variety of tense structures to obtain a high band score for grammatical range and accuracy.

The most common tense to use in an IELTS essay is the present simple tense. This is because you’ll mostly be stating facts in the essay.

Example: Pollution is a massive issue in big cities.

You can also incorporate the future tense if you want to make predictions.

Example: By 2050, renewable energy sources will hopefully replace most fossil fuels.

The past tense should be used when discussing past events. When stating a specific date in the past, you’ll make use of the past simple tense.

Example: About 50 years ago, people didn’t understand the need to recycle.

9. IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample

Some people think that environmental problems should be solved on a global scale while others believe it is better to deal with them nationally.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

10. Types of Essays in Task 2

• Advantages Disadvantages
• Problem Solution
• Double question

The grammar rules stay the same,  regardless of the essay type, yet there are some sentence structures we’d recommend using to express your opinion, etc.

10.1. Suggested Structures for Various Essay Types

Let’s delve into 4 complex sentence structures you can use in your introduction for

Some people think that more money should be spent on protecting endangered species while others think it is a waste of valuable money.

What is your opinion?

Suggested Structure: Other view + Opinion

Example: Even though some people might think that spending money on protecting endangered species is a waste of money, I believe that it’s essential for people to do everything they can to stop species from going extinct.

In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have more of an opportunity to study abroad.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Suggested Structure: Not only + but also

Example: Not only does studying abroad improve a student’s communication skills, but it also creates independence as they learn to navigate life away from home.

One problem faced by almost every large city is traffic congestion What do you think the causes are?

What solutions can you suggest?

Suggested Structure: Both + ___ + ___ contribute to

Examples: Both overpopulation and a lack of roads contribute to the overall congestion of traffic in the city.

Suggested Structure: While ____ + also

Example: While expanding the metro can help address the issue, the city also needs to create plans to build more roads in te future.

Suggested Structure:  It is argued by some + whereas

Example: It is argued by some that environmental issues should be solved on a global scale, whereas others feel that they are best dealt with nationally.

Check Your Knowledge

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• ielts writing
• ielts listening
• ielts speaking
• ielts reading
• ielts practice test
• IELTS Sample Reports
• IELTS Sample Essays
• IELTS Sample Letters
• IELTS Vocabulary
• IELTS Grammar
• IELTS Score Calculator
• IELTS Mock test

Exam Updates & Tips!

Signup for preparation and special offers!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Get the Reddit app

This subreddit is for asking questions and sharing advice and information about IELTS (International English Language Testing System). If you're preparing for the exam, you're in the right place. Make sure to read our community rules first and take a look at the pinned posts. Also, posts older than six months are archived. Finally, you should know that this unofficial community does not represent any organizations, websites, businesses, or people.

Need some help checking my first writing task 2 essay

Question: Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones. Why is this the case? Is it a positive or negative trend?

Answer: Many children worldwide spend hours on end glued to their smartphones, but why is this the current norm? This essay will discuss why the excessive use of smartphones by children is a negative trend rather than a positive one.

To begin with, technology, specifically smartphones, is more accessible than ever in today's day and age; technology is so widespread. Because of that, it is not uncommon to see a child using a smartphone. However, excessive usage of smartphones, especially by kids, has many negative side effects. For example, it can make their brains develop slower. Children who spend a large amount of hours on screens typically learn how to read and write much later than children who do not spend time on screens. This can be presently seen in many kids from the ages of 3-7. These examples imply that this is a negative trend.

On the other hand, some people claim that children spending a lot of time on screens is a positive thing rather than a negative thing because it helps these children enhance and hone their "computer skills" while also preparing them for the modern world. While these kids do indeed improve their computer skills, it comes at the price of their health, social skills, and their mental well-being, which most would argue against, claiming that it isn't worth it.

In conclusion, although children have easy access to smartphones, which provides them with the opportunity to hone their technological skills, it is a bad trend that should be stopped; it is unhealthy to spend many hours using a smartphone however good the benefits might be.

I feel like i slightly deviated from the question. I need some tips to improve my writing structure. What band would this be rated as?

• Writing Correction
• Online Prep Platform
• Online Course
• Speaking Assessment
• Ace The IELTS
• Target Band 7
• Practice Tests Downloads
• IELTS Success Formula
• Essays Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 samples – IELTS Band 9 essays
• Essays Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 8
• Essays Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 7
• Essays Band 6 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 6
• Essays Band 5 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 5
• Reports Band 9 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 9 (Academic Writing Task 1)
• Reports Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 8
• Reports Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 7
• Letters Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 1 – samples of IELTS letters of Band 9
• Letters Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS letters of Band 8
• Letters Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS letters of Band 7
• Speaking Samples
• Tests Samples
• 2023, 2024 IELTS questions
• 2022 IELTS questions
• 2021 IELTS questions
• 2020 IELTS questions
• High Scorer’s Advice IELTS high achievers share their secrets
• IELTS Results Competition
• IELTS-Blog App

IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – June 2024

• Recent IELTS exams

Our kind student P.S. shared the latest IELTS Speaking questions she was asked in Canada, below:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your name? – Are you currently studying or working? – Why did you choose to study this subject? – Do you enjoy watching movies? – What kinds of movies do you like to watch? – Do you prefer watching movies at home or in a cinema? Why? – What is the most recent movie you watched? – Do you prefer watching movies with friends or family?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe an interesting old person you met. You should say

– who this person is – where you met this person – what you talked about

and explain why you think this person is interesting.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– What qualities can younger generation learn from older people? – How is the role of older people in society today different from the past? – What challenges do older people face in your country? – How can society benefit from the experience and wisdom of older people? – In what ways can younger people help improve the lives of older people? – Do you think the government should provide more support for the elderly? Why or why not?

Related posts:

• New IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – May 2024 Our student TM took IELTS in Canada quite recently and...
• IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – May 2024 Thanks to the amazing K.H. here are the questions she...
• IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – February 2024 Our generous subscriber K took her IELTS test in Canada...
• IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – March 2024 Our student took IELTS in Canada quite recently and remembered...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.