writing task 2 tips

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips, Lessons & Models

Success in IELTS writing task 2 is based on using the right techniques. These free tips, model essays, lessons, videos and information will help develop the skills for writing task 2. This page will teach you how to maximise your IELTS writing task 2 score.

All lessons are on this page are for both GT and Academic writing task 2.

On this page, you will find for free:

• Test Information for Writing Task 2
• Practice essay questions
• Essential tips for IELTS writing task 2
• Free video lessons
• Model essays
• Practice lessons to improve your IELTS essay writing (paraphrasing, skills, ideas, spelling etc

Although some lessons are dated from years ago, all lessons and tips are 100% relevant to IELTS writing task 2 today. 

1. IELTS Writing Task 2 Test Information

Learn about your IELTS writing task 2 test.

• IELTS recommend you spend no more than 40 mins on writing task 2. However, the time is yours to manage as you wish.
• You should write  over 250 words. In the lessons below you will learn about word count and essay length.
• Learn how your total writing score is calculated: Total Writing Score Calculations
• Task Response (25%)
• Coherence & Cohesion (25%)
• Vocabulary (25%)
• Grammar (25%)
• For band score tips and details, see this page: IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Scores 
• Academic writing task 2 is a formal essay. The common types of essays are: Opinion, Discussion, Advantage/Disadvantage, Direct Questions, Solutions. These categorisations will differ from teacher to teacher depending on how they like to teach. See below for 100 IELTS Essay Questions to practise at home.
• GT writing task 2 is the same as Academic IELTS. The essay is written in the same way and the scoring is the same. The only difference is that GT essay questions are often easier and topics are simpler.
• All words will be counted, even small or repeated words. See this page: How Words are Counted
• COMPUTER DELIVERED IELTS: See the following link to read Pros and Cons of Computer Based IELTS : 
• For more information about IELTS test rules and info, see this page: IELTS  Test FAQ

2. IELTS Practice Essay Questions

Practice essay questions to help you prepare ideas for topics in IELTS writing task 2. These questions have been written based on questions reported by IELTS students. They are not IELTS tests.

Over 100 IELTS Essay Questions

3. Essential IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips

The most important writing tips for a strong IELTS essay in writing task 2. Learn about the recommended essay length, how to plan your essay, when to give your opinion and how to write an introduction etc.

How many paragraphs for an IELTS essay? : Essay structure

Key Linking Words List : Academic Vocabulary

Types of IELTS Essays : Main Essay Types in Writing Task 2

Video:  How to write an introduction paragraph : Complete lesson

Essay Planning Tips : How to plan your IELTS essay

Common Essay Topics : 20 Most Common Essay Topics

Video:  Essay Length Advice : How long should your essay be?

Video:  Official Writing Answer Sheet Tips : Using the answer sheet

When to give your opinion : Opinion Essay Tips

Video  Using the last 5 minutes : Exam technique tips

Video: Paraphrasing Tips

Finding Ideas : Developing ideas for essay topics

4. More Video & Tips for Writing Task 2

• Deleting Words in your Essay
• Should I indent the first word of my paragraphs?
• 10 sentences to avoid in your IELTS essay
• Video:  How to add examples to your essay
• Tips: Under Words Penalty
• Do advantages outweigh disadvantages tips?
• Video:   How to give your opinion
• Can you use quotes, idioms or proverbs in your essay?
• Handwriting: Using cursive writing or not
• Essay Questions from 2016
• Writing a Long Introduction: Good or Bad?
• Video : Single-sex & Mixed Schools 
• Video : Grammar – How to Add a Clause
• Video : Grammar – Connecting Sentences
• Video : Conclusion Linkers
• Video : Discussion Essay Useful Language
• Video : Using the Last 5 Minutes Tips
• Video : Should Ideas be Interesting?
• New Essay Topics for 2023

All Free IELTS Writing Task 2 Videos Lessons

5. Model Essays

Sample essays for IELTS writing task 2. These high score model essays will help you understand how to answer the essay questions and how to structure your writing.

• Agree Disagree Opinion Essay: Health
• Advantages & Disadvantages Essay: Language
• Cause  Solution Essay: Crime & Punishment
• Direct Questions Essay: Happiness
• Opinion Essay: Social Media
• Discussion Essay: Work
• Direct Questions Essay: Family
• Direct Questions Essay: Art
• Positive or Negative Development: Social Media
• 2 Model Essays about Economy & Money /Buildings
• Model Essay & Question for Topic of Education

6. Practice Lessons for Writing Task 2

Develop your IELTS writing skills and get useful ideas for many essay questions. Lessons are in order of date and new lessons will be added over time.

• New Essay Topics in 2023 (these are new topics only. You also need to prepare all common topics as well)
• IELTS Essay Topics Prediction 2022
• Grammar Test : Using “the” with countries and nationalities
• Paraphrasing Practice 1
• Paraphrasing Practice 2
• Paraphrasing Practice 3
• Essay Questions for 2017 – questions reported in the test this year.
• Using Passive Voice for Giving Opinions
• Essay Ideas: Employment Competition
• Writing Skills: Paraphrasing Practice
• Writing Skills: Improving Sentences (2)
• Essay Ideas: The Importance of History
• Essay Ideas: Housing & Trees 
• Essay Ideas: International Aid
• Essay Ideas: City Transport
• Essay Ideas: Salaries
• Essay Ideas: Function of Schools
• Essay Ideas: Female Staff in Senior Positions
• Writing Skills: Punctuation Practice
• Writing Skills: Linking Word Practice
• Essay Ideas: Littering in Cities
• Listen and Write Dictation: Natural Disasters
• Discussion Essay with Feedback: Music Topic
• Writing Skills: Improving Sentences: Ebooks Topic
• Essay Ideas: Banning Mobile Phones
• Two Question Essay with Feedback: Judging Business Success
• Essay Ideas: Tourism and Local Communities
• Essay Ideas: Traffic & Pollution
• Writing Skills: Improving a Thesis Statement
• Writing Skills: Improving Sentences (1)
• Essay Ideas: Handwriting Skills
• Essay Ideas: Promoting to Children
• Essay Ideas: Older or Younger Leaders
• Writing Skills: Introduction Feedback
• Writing Skill: Opinion Essay Introduction Feedback
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Body Paragraphs
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Introduction
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Finding Main Points
• Writing Skills: Thesis Statement
• Essay Ideas: Public Services .

………………

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IELTS Writing Task 2: ✍️ Everything You Need to Know

When helping students prepare for the IELTS test, one of the biggest fears is how to do well in IELTS Writing Task 2. 

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing test, where you are presented with a point of view, argument or problem and asked to write an essay in response. Your essay should be in a formal style, at least 250 words in length and you should aim to complete it in under 40 minutes. 

IELTS Writing Task 2: Everything You Need to Know

In this video, I’ll outline exactly what you must do to create an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay that could score a Band 7, 8 or 9.

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to IELTS or if you’ve failed the exam before – I’ve broken everything down into a simple 3-step process that anyone can use to improve their scores! Watch the video above to find out what they are.

5 Steps to a Band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2

1. Understand the question.

You must understand the question before you attempt to answer it. This way, you’ll know exactly what the examiner is looking for. One of the biggest mistakes students make is not answering the question fully, which stops them from getting a score higher than a Band 5.

To analyse the question , you must first identify the question type, then identify the keywords in the question and finally identify the instructions words. This will help you understand exactly what the examiner wants you to do with the question.

2. Plan your answer.

The students who get the highest marks in Writing Task 2 always plan their answers for up to 10 minutes. Planning helps you organise your ideas and structure your essay before you write it, saving you time and helping you produce a clear and coherent essay.

3. Write an introduction.

The introduction should answer the question directly. This tells the examiner that you know what you are doing straight away and helps you write your main body paragraphs.

4. Write the main body paragraphs.

This is where you give the examiner more detail . You do this by stating your main points and supporting these with explanations and relevant examples.

5. Write a conclusion.

In your conclusion , you should provide a summary of what you already said in the rest of your essay.

4 Ways to Improve your Score in IELTS Writing Task 2

Many people know they need to improve their writing skills but don’t know how to do it. Here are 4 ways you can boost your score in Writing Task 2:

1. Understand the exam.

You must first understand what IELTS Writing Task 2 is, what you are expected to do and how to give the examiners what they want. This is the first stage and one that is often overlooked.

There are many online resources, often with conflicting and poor-quality information, so finding a reliable source of information is key.

2. Identify your weak areas.

If your car breaks down, you would try and identify which part caused the problem. If you get sick, your doctor will run tests to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the same. We must first identify WHY you are not getting the score you need before we can help you improve.

However, be very careful! You wouldn’t ask the average man on the street for medical advice, so make sure you find someone who knows what they are doing and has the expertise to help you with this.

3. Fix the problems.

Now that we know what the problems are, we must fix them.

If your grammar needs work, fix those issues. If your vocabulary is lacking, work on fixing this issue.

Just as a good doctor can help you fix a medical problem, a good IELTS teacher can help you fix your specific issues.

4. Practice and get feedback.

Practice alone will not help you. It is an essential part of your preparation, but you must also get feedback on your work if you are really going to improve.

You wouldn’t try to teach yourself how to drive without an instructor, would you?

Find someone who will give you accurate and helpful feedback on your work. Otherwise, you will not be able to move to the last stage.

Now that you have understood what you need to do, identified the exact areas you need to work on, improved those areas, and received feedback on your work, you are now ready to get the IELTS Writing Task 2 score you deserve.

Writing Task 2 Structures 

I want to warn you about structures because they are not a magic wand that will help you automatically get a higher score. They WILL help you, but please realise that they are just a small part of your overall score.

These structures provide a sentence-by-sentence template for all the main Task 2 question types, making your job much easier on exam day.

• Task 2 Essay Structures

Essential Writing Task 2 Skills 

No matter how good your English is, you must still learn IELTS writing skills before taking the Writing Task 2 test. These helpful guides will take you through each of these skills step-by-step:

• How to Plan an Essay

Making a good plan actually saves you time when you write your essay. This guide will show you how to plan and write a clear essay every time.

• How to Think of Relevant Ideas

This guide provides 5 different methods to help you quickly think of relevant ideas that are directly linked to the question.

• How to Write a Complex Sentence

Complex sentences help you boost your score for grammar. They are actually very simple to write and are not complex at all.

• How to Paraphrase

Paraphrasing is one of the essential IELTS skills for all parts of the IELTS test. You should paraphrase the question in the very first sentence of your essay to help boost your vocabulary score in Writing Task 2.

• How to Write a Supporting Paragraph

Supporting paragraphs are the main body paragraphs and are the meat in the sandwich. This is where you provide the detail the examiner is looking for in the form of explanations and examples.

• How to Write a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement tells the examiner your opinion. Many IELTS Writing Task 2 questions specifically ask for your opinion, and if you don’t write it clearly, you have not answered the question properly. This article shows you how, where and when to give your opinion.

How many words should I write?

Around 250 words? Exactly 250 words or over 250 words? How many words over? How do I know how many words I have? Will I lose marks if I write too many words? This article answers all those questions.

• How to Understand and Analyse Any Question

A critical part of answering any question. This article shows you how to break down any Task 2 question and identify the keywords, micro-keywords and instruction words to help you answer the question effectively.

• How to Write a Great Introduction

The introduction is the first thing the examiner reads; therefore, we must give them a good first impression. I share a very specific sentence-by-sentence structure in this article to help you write introductions quickly and effectively.

• Task 2 Marking Criteria 

Do you know how Task 2 is marked? What is the difference between a Band 5 and a Band 8 answer? This article breaks down the marking criteria and explains it in simple language so you can give the IELTS examiners exactly what they want.

• How to Write a Conclusion

A good conclusion should be a summary of your main points. The conclusion is the last thing the examiner reads, and if you can write a good one, you will leave them with a very good impression.

• Using Examples

Each of your supporting paragraphs should have a specific example that supports and illustrates your main point. This is an essential skill to learn if you want to get one of the higher band scores.

• Cohesive Devices

Cohesive devices (sometimes called linking words) are one of the most misunderstood and misused elements of writing. Therefore, you must learn how to use them and when to use them.

• The Danger of Synonyms

While synonyms are very important, they can also really reduce your mark if used incorrectly.

• Paragraphing and Editing

This article will show you how to make your writing as clear and as easy to read as possible. It will also advise you on whether to use a pen or pencil.

• IELTS Writing Task 2: 8 Steps to Success

Read this blog now to access our 61-page Task 2 strategy.

• IELTS Writing Tips

I have compiled these tips after years of teaching IELTS, and all of them have been approved by IELTS examiners.

• Coherence and Cohesion

This is a video lesson that shows you in practical terms how to improve your coherence and cohesion score.

Writing Task 2 Common Topics 

Knowing the common topics can help you prepare for the test more efficiently. Here are the 10 most common topics over the last few years. Studying hard is great, but don’t forget to study smart.

The article below will show you the top 10 most common IELTS topics.

• Most Common Task 2 Topics 

Full IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice Lessons 

Here are some lessons that I have used when teaching students about IELTS Writing Task 2. I have changed them so that you can easily learn from home. They are very long but contain all the necessary information combined with the skills above.

• Agree or Disagree (Opinion) Lesson

In this lesson, we look at how to tackle an ‘agree or disagree’ question. Many people worry about whether to take one side of the other or discuss both sides. Additionally, people also worry about how to deal with ‘To what extent’ question types. We allay all of these fears in this lesson.

• Discussion Essay Lesson

‘Discuss both views’ questions often confuse people because you are asked to do many things in one essay. As such, it is very important to remember that the question asks you to discuss BOTH views AND give YOUR opinion.

• Problem and Solution Essay Lesson

These questions are much easier than you think. You probably discuss problems and solutions in your day-to-day life all the time. Keep it simple.

• Advantages and Disadvantages Lesson 

There are a couple of different types of advantages and disadvantages questions. This lesson will show you how to answer them.

• Writing Task 2 Exercise with Video

Writing is a skill, and just like any other skill, it is important to practice to improve.

• From Band 6.5 to 8 Demo Lesson

This is my most comprehensive free lesson on IELTS Writing Task 2. We show you how we took one VIP student from Band 6.5 to an amazing 8.

Sample Answers

You must have some good examples to compare your writing and see if you are on the right track. Click the link below for lots of sample answers and over 100 questions.

Task 2 Sample Answers

• Agree or Disagree Sample Essays
• Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay
• Latest Real Task 2 Questions
• Official Sample Test Questions
• Cambridge Sample Questions
• Free Practice Test
• How To Use Task 2 Samples
• Recent Confusing Questions
• IELTS Writing Practice Guide

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essential Information

• You must write an essay in response to a question.
• You must write 250 words or more.
• Task 2 is worth 2/3 of your total mark on the Writing test.
• You should spend around 40 minutes on this part of the test.
• General Training and Academic are essentially the same for Task 2. However, they are different for Task 1.
• There are certain types of questions that you will be asked, for example, opinion, discussion etc. See below for more detail on these.
• Task Achievement (25%)
• Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
• Lexical Resource (25%)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)

Grammar and Vocabulary

Grammar is one of the four things you will be marked on in the Writing Task 2 test. Finding out what your common grammar mistakes are and then fixing them is a very powerful way to boost your score in this area. Here are some common grammar mistakes I have found after making hundreds of tests.

• Top 10 Grammar Mistakes

For most IELTS students, the problem is not grammar in general. In fact, it is usually just 1-2 problem areas. Therefore, when you fix these main weaknesses, you’ll be able to improve your grammar and your writing score dramatically.

• Using Personal Pronouns

Hint- They aren’t as big of a deal as you think.

See the interactive tool below for the answers to the most commonly asked questions we receive about IELTS Writing Task 2: 

IELTS Writing Task 2 FAQs

How can i improve my writing.

You will find all the resources you need on our Writing Task 2 page. Click the link below:

Writing Task 2

We also have two Task 2 courses for those that need to improve their Task 2 skills and strategy. They are both based online and completely free of charge. Learn more about them below:

Task 2 5 Day Challenge

Task 2 Essay Builder

If you need serious help or personalised feedback, you should check out our VIP Course. There is a waiting list, but you can add your name here:

How can I get a Band 7, 8 or 9?

The answer to this question is different for every individual IELTS student, as it depends on a number of factors, including your work ethic, English skills and exam strategy. You'll find a guide to answering this question in this article

If you need serious help with improving your IELTS scores, you should check out our online writing course. There is a waiting list, but you can add your name by clicking the link below:

Can you correct my writing?

Please click the link below and it will give you all the information you need about our writing correction service:

Writing Correction Service

Do you have any sample answers?

Yes, you will find them at the link below:

Will using 'high level' or 'academic' words help me improve my score?

Probably not.

Read my recent article about IELTS vocabulary here:

5 Things You Need to Know about IELTS Vocabulary

Can I use idioms?

No, you should not write idioms for Task 2.

Can I use personal pronouns?

You should avoid using personal pronouns, but it is fine to use them when giving your personal opinion.

Do you write a conclusion for Task 2?

Yes, it is very difficult to get a good score in Task 2 if you haven't finished your essay with a conclusion. You will find an in-depth lesson on conclusions here:

How to Write an Effective Task 2 Conclusion

How many paragraphs should I write?

Most IELTS task 2 essays follow the same basic four paragraph structure:

• Introduction
• Supporting Paragraph 1
• Supporting Paragraph 2

However, you can find more comprehensive help with structuring your Task 2 essays here:

5 Day Challenge

Do I need to plan my essay?

I would highly recommend planning your essay. A good plan acts like a map that guides you through the essay, ensuring that you give the examiner exactly what they need to award you the score you need. You can find help with planning your essays here: How to Plan an IELTS Essay

You must write at least 250 words in Writing Task 2.

I would suggest that you aim to write around 270-280 words in total. Aiming for 20-30 words more than the required amount makes you more likely to reach the word limit without setting an unrealistic goal.

Will I lose marks if I don't write enough words?

Yes, if you don't write the required number of words, you will lose marks in 'Task Achievement' for not answering the question fully. Read more here .

Can I use contractions?

No, should not use contractions when you are writing an academic essay.

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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:

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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

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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! 😀

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• Preparing for IELTS
• Practice tests
• Free online IELTS Writing practice tests
• Free online IELTS Academic Writing practice tests - paper

IELTS practice Academic Writing test - Task 2

How to approach academic writing task 2.

In the actual IELTS Academic Writing test, you will have one hour to complete the two questions or tasks: 20 minutes for the first task and 40 minutes for the second. So, you should expect to spend a little longer on practice Task 2 than you did on practice Task 1.

While you shouldn’t put yourself under too much pressure when practicing, it’s a good idea to set a timer or alert, so you can keep a track of your progress and how close you are to the time limit.

An easy reminder…

Q: How long should I spend on IELTS Writing Task 2?

A: We suggest 40 minutes.

Q: How many words for IELTS Writing Task 2?

A: 250 words is about the right length, but don’t be afraid to go a little over.

Q: Should I be formal or conversational in style?

A: You should write in a formal style, suited to an academic environment.

Task 2 - Write about the following topic:

You should give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge to support your response.

What should I do next?

Once you’ve finished, you can download the model answer for Writing Task 2 and see how your work compares.

Remember, you don’t have to agree with the opinion expressed in the model answer; this Task 2 sample is a guide to illustrate the style, content, level of detail, structure, length and so on. A good way to improve is to spend some time reflecting on how your answer compares to the model answer - and keep practicing, of course.

If you want to see an example of an actual answer sheet for the IELTS Academic Writing test (‘on paper’ version), you can download a sample copy below.

• IELTS practice Academic Writing test - Task 1

Ebooks: Academic Writing Task 1 Target 7.0

IELTS Writing Task 2

Click on the links below for information on different aspects of writing task 2. I hope these will answer your questions but, if they haven’t, you can contact Total-IELTS via email. Just click on the email link below.

IELTS Writing Task 2:  Sample Answe r

The must-read page for band 8.0 sam ple answers of the common question types.

Learn the requirements for each task type with suggested structure.

Downloadable PDFs for each sample answer.

IE LTS Writing Task 2: Grading

H ow your answer is graded according to the public band descriptors. Tips on how to understand the question.

IELTS Writing Task 2:  Planning Your Answer

Why it’s essential to plan your answer and manage your time.

Strategies on how to plan with emphasis on how to structure (organize) your answer. 

IELTS Writing Task 2: Introduction

What to include and not include in your introduction.

How to paraphrase the statement and write a thesis statement which includes your position.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Body Paragraphs

How to structure your body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting details.

A step-by-step guide on what examiners are looking for.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Conclusion

The importance of a clear and specific conclusion.

Learn what to include and not include and what examiners are looking for.

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“Check out IELTS Writing Task 2 with this in-depth guide covering the essay format, question types, evaluation criteria, scoring, tips, and FAQs.“

The IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to demonstrate your ability to write an academic-style essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. This task is designed to assess key skills like presenting a clear position, developing an argument logically, and organizing ideas coherently.

To achieve a high score, you must understand the task format and question types, analyze prompts effectively, and structure your essay appropriately. This blog post will break down everything you need to know about mastering IELTS Writing Task 2.

Difference Between IELTS Writing Task 2 Academic Vs General

To understand the differences between Academic and General Training in IELTS Writing Task 2, here is a helpful comparison table:

Understanding the Evaluation Criteria

To understand how your Writing Task 2 essay will be scored by the examiner, it helps to be familiar with the assessment criteria:

Band Descriptors IELTS Writing Task 2

Ielts writing task 2 format.

Let's start with the basics. IELTS Writing Task 2 format starts with requiring you to write an academic-style essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. The task is designed to assess your ability to present a solution or opinion in a logical, structured way.

You'll have 40 minutes to complete Task 2, and you should aim to write at least 250 words. A good essay will contain 3-4 paragraphs: an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Stay focused on the question and don't go off-topic.

When planning your essay, be sure to leave enough time to brainstorm ideas, write a clear thesis statement, and review what you've written. Understanding the task format is your first step to success.

IELTS Essay Types For Writing Task 2

Let's examine the different IELTS essay types that may appear in Writing Task 2:

Opinion Essay

These prompts simply ask for your  opinion  on a topic without presenting two views.

Sample prompt:  "Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime. What is your opinion on this?

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay below:

• Some People Believe that Nowadays We Have Too Many Choices- IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay Topic: Prevention is better than cure
• Universities Should Accept Equal Numbers of Male and Female Students in Every Subject – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Doing an Enjoyable Activity with a Child Can Develop Better Skills and More Creativity Than Reading – IELTS
• All Children Should be Made to Wear School Uniforms- IELTS Writing Task 2

Agree and Disagree Essay

These questions ask your opinion on a statement or proposal. You must decide whether you agree or disagree and support your view.

Sample prompt:   "Unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programs." To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree and Disagree Essay below:

• It is more important to spend public money on promoting a healthy lifestyle – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Foreign Visitors Should Pay More Than Local Visitors for Cultural and Historical Attractions – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Some people believe that air travel should be restricted Sample Essay
• When a Country Develops its Technology the Traditional Skills and Ways of Life Die Out – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Reading stories from a book is better than watching TV Sample Essay

Discussion (Discuss Both Views)

These prompts present two perspectives on an issue and ask you to  discuss  and examine both sides.

Sample prompt:   "Some people think the manufacturers and shopping malls should sell fewer packaged products while others argue that people have the responsibility to buy products with less packaging. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion Essay below:

• In Some Countries, a Few People Earn Extremely High Salaries – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Some People Think that Children Should Start School Sooner- IELTS Writing Task 2
• Some People Think that it is Better to Educate Girls and Boys in Separate Schools- IELTS Writing Task 2
• Some Companies Sponsor Sport and Sports Stars as a Way to Advertise Themselves – IELTS Writing Task 2
• University Students Should Study Whatever They Like Sample Essay

Problem/Solution Essay

These questions given in the  problem/solution  essay describe an issue and ask you to propose solutions.

Sample prompt:   "In many cities, public transport systems are inadequate and road congestion is increasing. What are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?"

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem/Solution Essay below:

• Many Working People get little or no Exercise either During the Working Day- IELTS Writing Task 2
• Doctors Recommend that Older People Exercise Regularly- IELTS Writing Task 2
• Over Population Of Urban Areas Has Led To Numerous Problems – IELTS Writing Task 2
• An Increase in Production of Consumer Goods Results in Damage to the Natural Environment- IELTS Writing Task
• In the Developed World, Average Life Expectancy is Increasing- IELTS Writing Task 2

Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

These prompts ask you to analyze the  advantages and disadvantages  of an issue.

Sample prompt:  "Studying overseas has many benefits for students. However, there are also some disadvantages. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion."

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages/Disadvantages Essay below:

• People now have the Freedom to Work and live Anywhere in the World- IELTS Writing Task 2
• In Some Countries People Prefer to Rent a House than Buy One – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Planners Tend to Arrange Shops, Schools, Offices and Homes in Specific Areas – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Technology is Increasingly Being Used to Monitor What People Are Saying And Doing Sample Essays
• In the Past, When Students Did a University Degree, They Tended to Study in Their Own Country – IELTS

Direct Question Essay

These prompts which are also known as  Direct Question  essays give you a statement along with a related question.

Sample prompt:   "A growing number of people are living alone in many major cities. What are the reasons for this? Why do they choose to live alone?

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Direct Question Essay below:

• Is freedom of speech necessary in a free society? – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Many People Like to Wear Fashionable Clothes – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Consumers Are Faced With Increasing Numbers of Advertisements From Competing Companies – IELTS
• There are Many Different Types of Music in The World Today – IELTS Writing Task 2
• More and more people want to buy famous brands with clothes- IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 Structure For Answering Questions

The IELTS Writing Task 2 section tests a candidate's ability to write an essay responding to a prompt in a formal academic style. There are different types of essays that may be asked, each requiring a specific structure and approach. The main IELTS Writing Task 2 question types and their standard structure are summarized in the table below:

Tips For Task 2 Writing IELTS

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the two writing tasks and is one of the most challenging parts of the IELTS test. Most students also find it more difficult than Writing Task 1. Therefore, access to some quick tips for task 2 writing IELTS:

• Understand the Task:  Test-takers should take the time to understand the essay question thoroughly. They need to identify the key components, the question type, and any specific instructions before outlining the key points that should be covered.
• Plan Before You Write:  Before diving into the essay, candidates should spend a few minutes planning the response. A clear outline needs to include an introduction, the main points for each body paragraph, and the conclusion.
• Follow a Structured Essay Format:  Every essay type has a specific structure. So, sticking to the traditional essay structure with a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a concluding summary enhances the readability of the essay.
• Provide Supportive Examples:  Test-takers should support their arguments with concrete examples and evidence. This not only strengthens the expressed opinion but also showcases the ability to develop ideas.
• Balance Complexity and Clarity:  Test-takers should aim for a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. This demonstrates their language proficiency and contributes to a more engaging essay.
• Use Linking Words and Phrases:  Candidates should employ linking words and phrases to connect ideas within and between sentences. This improves the overall flow and coherence of the essay.
• Practice Different Essay Types:  It is important to familiarize oneself with different types of essay questions, such as opinion essays, problem-solving essays, or discussion essays. Test-takers should practice addressing each type to be prepared for any variation in the actual test.
• Revise and Proofread:  This is one of the most vital steps to improve writing skills and content. Test-takers need to allocate some time at the end to review and edit their essay. They should check for grammatical errors, clarity, and coherence and ensure that the essay effectively communicates their ideas.
• Practice Regularly:  Write Regularly Under Time Constraints: Practice writing essays within the 40-minute. This helps improve your time management skills and ensures that you can effectively express your ideas within the given constraints.
• Seek Feedback:  To understand the weak areas and improve them, test-takers need to share their practice essays with teachers, peers, or  online communities like the one created by IELTSMaterial . Constructive feedback helps identify areas for improvement and provides valuable insights.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Answers

Below is the list of IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Answers which you can refer to for the exam.

• Topic: Family
• Topic: Press, news on internet & newspapers
• Topic: Families
• Topic - Environment
• Topic: Invention 
• Topic: Aging Population
• Topic: Art & Technology
• Topic: Career
• Topic: Dangerous Sports
• Topic: Technology
• Topic: Travel & Tourism
• Topic: International Car-free Days & Sample Essay
• Topic: Traffic
• Topic: Transportation
• Topic: TV or Radio
• Topic: Communication Technology
• Topic: Living in Campus
• Topic: Crime
• Collocations - Topic: The Environment
• Useful Collocations - Topic: Government

Trending Essay Topics

• Every year several languages die out
• Some People Think That Parents Should Teach Children How to be Good Members of Society
• Happiness is considered very important in life
• In some countries the average weight of people is increasing
• Young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school
• Research Indicates That the Characteristics We are Born With Have Much More Influence On Our Personality

Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Sample Essays

Below is the list of Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with   Sample Essays :

• Topic 01: Media
• Topic 02: Successful Sports Professionals
• Topic 03:Smoking
• Topic 04: Children today play very violent games
• Topic 05:The birth rate in most developed countries
• Topic 06: Many families find it necessary for both parents go out to work
• Topic 07: Women and men are commonly seen as having different strength and weaknesses
• Topic 08: Increase in violent crime among youngsters
• Topic 09: Good Job
• Topic 10: Different medical traditions
• Topic 11:Need to prepare for tests and examinations
• Topic 12: Eating Fish
• Topic 13:Concerned about the number of children who are overweight
• Topic 14: Freedom of Speech
• Topic: Architecture & History
• Topic: Digital Communication
• Topic: Economic Development
• Topic: Education
• Topic: Environment
• Topic: Food & Transport
• Topic: Government
• Topic: Newspapers
• Topic: Sports
• Topic: Television & Children
• Topic: Economic Growth

Frequently Asked Questions

How many paragraphs should my essay have?

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10 Essential Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2: Everything You Need to Know for the Writing Test

Preparing for the IELTS writing test, encompassing Task 1 and Task 2 in both General Training and Academic Writing sections, can be daunting. Nonetheless, with appropriate guidance and regular practice, it's possible to sharpen your writing skills and achieve the band score you desire. This article presents 10 comprehensive writing tips, focusing on not just essay planning and organization, but also language use, grammatical accuracy, and other factors that significantly impact your performance. Diligently applying these tips during your IELTS test preparation will leave you well-prepared to tackle the challenges and succeed in both Task 1 and Task 2 of the writing exam.

1. Read the question carefully and decide your position

Getting the hang of the question's subject is key to acing your test. For example, if the question asks you to "discuss both views and give your opinion," you should first determine what the two opposing views are by carefully reading the question and identifying relevant aspects. Then, decide which side you agree with or if you believe a balanced approach is appropriate. This initial analysis will serve as the foundation for your essay and help you get the band score you deserve.

By decoding the question thoroughly, you will be able to center your essay around the topic of the question and answer directly. When you can provide a clear position, it enhances your chances of achieving a higher band in task achievement, leading to a better overall score in your writing test. Remember, everything you need to know lies in the question itself, so read carefully and arm yourself with a well-formed stance to guide you through the rest of the writing process.

Many IELTS students make the mistake of not thoroughly reading or understanding the question before diving into writing their response. This often leads to an essay that doesn't fully answer the question or address the given topic, which can negatively impact their score. To avoid this common pitfall, take time to comprehend the question and plan your essay accordingly.

2. Crafting a Strategic Plan for Your IELTS Writing Essay

Because you are given 40 minutes to complete your essay, ensure you allocate some time for preparation. List the main points you want to discuss, along with any relevant examples or evidence that will contribute to getting the score you deserve. Creating a simple outline can help you maintain focus throughout your writing, ensuring that everything you need to know is covered in your essay.

This planning stage is not only crucial to ensuring a coherent and well-structured essay but also contributes to your overall success in your test. By organizing your thoughts and ideas, you can effectively present your arguments in a logical manner, leading to a higher score in both coherence and cohesion and task achievement.

Developing a clear and concise plan for your essay will also help you manage your time more effectively during the writing task, ultimately giving you an edge in meeting expectations. Remember, investing time in planning your response will pay dividends as it helps you create a solid structure, preventing you from veering off-topic or omitting critical details.

Taking your writing to the next level requires a combination of thorough planning, effective time management, and thoughtful execution, which are all essential IELTS writing tips to improve your performance.

3. Write a clear introduction for your IELTS essay

A solid introduction sets the tone for the rest of your essay and is vital for achieving a high band score in Writing Task 2. Start by paraphrasing the question and providing a general statement about the topic, ensuring that your response remains relevant to the question throughout. Next, provide a concise overview of the key arguments you will address in your body paragraphs, which will contribute to maintaining a structured and cohesive essay.

Crafting an effective introduction for your essay is one of the essential elements of your success. It not only provides a clear roadmap for the examiner to follow but also establishes your overall coherence and cohesion score, ultimately helping you get the score you deserve. Remember, a strong and well-organized introduction is the foundation of a successful essay, so take the time to create an impactful opening that sets the stage for a well-developed response. By effectively communicating your essay's main points in the introduction, you tell the examiner what to expect and create a strong impression right from the beginning of your Writing Task 2 essay.

4. Use topic sentences for each paragraph

Topic sentences act as a roadmap for your reader, enabling your examiner to follow your essay's structure by providing a clear depiction of each paragraph's main point. It is essential to start each paragraph with a distinct topic sentence that expresses the central focus of the paragraph and connects to the overall thesis stated in the introduction.

By incorporating a wide range of ideas and making sure each paragraph effectively addresses the main point, your essay will answer the question directly, keeping your arguments relevant and focused. Not only do topic sentences serve as a guide for your reader, but they also contribute to the coherence and cohesion in your writing. Remember, well-structured paragraphs with clear topic sentences are essential for creating a successful and logically organized response.

5. Improve your vocabulary and use less common Vocabulary and a diverse range of linking words

To improve your lexical resource score and effectively express your ideas, it is essential to use a wide range of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Instead of relying on basic linking words like "firstly" and "secondly," opt for alternatives such as "to begin with," "furthermore," or "on the other hand." Utilizing synonyms and paraphrasing techniques helps avoid repetition and maintain a natural flow in your essay.

Incorporating diverse vocabulary and idiomatic expressions not only demonstrates your language knowledge but also gives the examiner a clear understanding of your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. By showcasing a rich variety of vocabulary, you can give the examiner a positive impression of your language skills and enhance the overall quality of your essay. Strive to consistently employ a wide lexical range throughout your composition.

Students with Band 9 scores really stand out with their amazing language skills and ability to use advanced vocabulary and expressions. Their writing shows great grammar and punctuation, as well as a well-organized essay structure, which makes them different from Band 7 students. Since Band 7 students might not have a wide range of vocabulary and might make more grammar mistakes, Band 9 students do an excellent job expressing complex ideas clearly and precisely. This helps them get those top scores. If you want to be like them, focus on expanding your vocabulary, improving your grammar and punctuation, and making your essays clear and well-planned.

6. Back up your ideas with examples that are relevant to the question.

Examples not only strengthen your argument but also help demonstrate your understanding of the topic, enabling you to write more engaging and informative essays. For instance, if you are asked to write about the influence of technology on education, you could provide examples of online learning platforms like Coursera or Khan Academy and discuss their impact on students' learning experiences and accessibility to knowledge. Be sure to thoroughly explain the connection between your examples and the main point of your paragraph, as this will help you organize your thoughts and present a well-structured response. By incorporating relevant examples and clearly explaining their significance, you increase your chances of obtaining a high score. Additionally, it's good practice to go back and read through your essay, ensuring that your examples are clearly linked to the topic and support your argument or problem effectively. This attention to detail will ultimately contribute to a stronger overall performance in the writing section of the IELTS exam.

7. Write in a semi-formal or neutral tone

The need to produce a well-written essay requires adopting an appropriate tone, which is crucial for effectively conveying your message. Avoid using informal language, colloquialisms, and contractions (e.g., "it's," "won't," etc.) in your essay. Instead, opt for more formal alternatives, such as "it is" and "will not." Using a semi-formal or neutral tone conveys your ideas professionally and enhances the overall quality of your essay.

Even though your essay may not be long and complicated, employing the right techniques, such as maintaining an appropriate tone, helps present your thoughts more effectively. This also makes it easier for the examiner to understand your argument and appreciate your perspective. To achieve this, take some time to organize your thoughts and consider the best way to express them while maintaining a clear, concise, and semi-formal tone throughout your essay.

By focusing on these aspects, you not only demonstrate your ability to adhere to the required writing style but also showcase your linguistic skills.

8. Keep track of the number of words you write

In IELTS essay writing, particularly for Task 2, it is essential to strike a balance between writing an appropriate length and maintaining a clear, organized structure. IELTS students should aim to write at least 250 words in their essays; however, writing too many words may lead to a disorganized and difficult-to-follow essay. It is crucial to keep track of your word count but avoid the tendency to constantly count your words, as this can disrupt your thought process and flow of ideas.

Instead, focus on effectively conveying your ideas while ensuring you meet the word count requirements. As you state your opinion and develop your arguments, keep the band descriptors for essay writing in mind – including coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy. Practice writing essays with these criteria in mind to better prepare for the IELTS exam.

By striking a balance between word count and clarity, you will be better equipped to produce well-structured and coherent essays that accurately meet the IELTS writing test requirements. Preparing for the IELTS with this approach will not only strengthen your essay writing skills but also boost your chances of achieving a higher band score.

9. Proofread your essay

To achieve a high score like a band 8 or 9 in the IELTS writing test, always allocate some time at the end of your 40 minutes to proofread your essay. Checking for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors is vital, as these mistakes can significantly impact your writing score. Don't assume that everything you know will help you write without errors; taking the time to proofread can make a considerable difference in the final result.

Ensure your essay is coherent and cohesive by revisiting your essay structure and analyzing the connection between paragraphs and the overall argument throughout the essay. Evaluate if your key arguments are comprehensible and rationally linked, and implement any required adjustments to enhance your overall claim.

Furthermore, proofreading also helps you identify areas where you can improve and refine your writing skills. This valuable practice will not only enhance your performance in the IELTS exam but also contribute to your overall writing abilities in the long run.

In summary, proofreading your essay is an essential final step that allows you to identify and rectify any mistakes, inconsistencies, and areas for improvement. This attention to detail will ultimately contribute to a higher band score and help you improve as a writer.

10. Consistently Engage in IELTS Practice and Seek Constructive Feedback

Regular practice is the key to improving your IELTS writing skills and achieving the band score you desire. Utilize various practice materials, such as sample essays for IELTS writing and practice tests, to familiarize yourself with different IELTS writing task 2 questions. To enhance your vocabulary and use less common terms in your essays, read articles on diverse topics and take note of new words and phrases. Seek feedback from peers, tutors, or online resources to identify areas for improvement and fine-tune your writing skills. Practicing well-structured paragraphs will help you organize your thoughts effectively in the actual exam.

In summary, by following these 10 in-depth IELTS writing tips, you can significantly boost your IELTS writing score and get the band you aim for. From planning and organizing your essay to using appropriate language and proofreading, each step is crucial for success in your IELTS writing task 2. Invest time in your IELTS preparation, practice regularly, and incorporate these tips into your writing to ensure you are well-prepared for the IELTS writing test. Remember that diligent practice and targeted efforts will help you prepare efficiently and enhance your overall performance on numerous IELTS writing tasks.

You deserve a better score!

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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

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Writing Task 2 Tips for IELTS (Question Analysis)

The internet is full of ineffective Writing Task 2 tips for IELTS.

This is because there are several types of Task 2 questions and each one requires you to respond in a different way.

In this lesson, you’ll learn simple tips to ensure you always know what to include in your Task 2 answer to get a high score.

In this lesson, you will;

• Discover the Importance of Question Analysis
• Learn what to expect in Task 2 questions
• Master the Stages of Question Analysis
• Practise Analyzing Questions

Prefer to watch the video version?

The Importance of Question Analysis

The average Task 2 question is 35 words long, meaning there are 35 opportunities for you to misunderstand the question.

Over and over again, I see IELTS students get a low score for Task Achievement because they didn’t analyse the question correctly.

IDP and British Council, the organisers of the IELTS test, indicated that analyzing the question is the first thing you must do. You can see this for yourself by clicking here and here .

However, most candidates rush this step or skip it completely because they are worried that they won’t be able to finish their essay in 40 minutes.

The thing is, if you incorrectly analyse the question, your answer will be irrelevant, and your Task Achievement score will be 5 or even lower.

A Typical Mistake

Now let’s look at an essay that one of my subscribers sent me recently.

The question was;

In some countries, most people prefer to rent their homes rather than buying them. What are the advantages and disadvantages of renting a home?

She first stated that people prefer to rent a house close to where they work.

This idea was irrelevant because people prefer to buy a house close to where they work too.

Her second idea was that people who rent a house are under pressure to pay the landlord every month.

This idea is perfect and definitely belonged in the essay.

The final problem is that she only included one advantage and one disadvantage.

The question specifically asked for ‘advantages and disadvantages’, which meant that she failed to answer the question properly.

Because she incorrectly analysed the question, her Task Achievement score for this essay was a band 5.

Why do candidates misread the question?

There are two main reasons why this happens.

Reason 1 – In a rush

A lot of students just scan the question quickly and start writing.

They are worried about the 40-minute time limit and want to get started as quickly as possible.

It’s better to have an incomplete essay than an essay that doesn’t answer the question.

Question analysis is an essential part of getting a high score, so you shouldn’t feel like you’re wasting time by doing this.

Reason 2 – Unknown vocabulary

The other most common reason is that candidates don’t have the necessary language ability.

If you regularly find words you don’t know in Task 2 questions, the information on this page is not the solution you need.

You need to follow my strategy for improving vocabulary first, and you can come back here once you’re ready.

What to Expect in Task 2 Questions

IELTS Writing Task 2 questions all follow a similar pattern.

If you know what to expect, there will be no surprises on test day, and you’ll know exactly what you need to do.

The instructions

The instructions are always the exact same in IELTS Writing Task 2.

That means that you don’t even need to read them when you’re doing your test.

You’ll see the instructions highlighted in yellow in the image below.

The context

The context is the part highlighted in green in the image below.

The context is what you need to write about in your essay.

Fact or opinion?

It will always be a fact or an opinion that you need to respond to in some way.

We know the question above is an opinion because of the phrase ‘ some people believe that ‘.

Other common phrases used to introduce an opinion in Task 2 are;

• some people say that
• some people think that
• some people claim that

However, not all opinion topics will start with a phrase like this, so you still need to read the question carefully.

The main topic

There will be a specific topic, and you need to write about exactly that topic and nothing else.

In the question above, the main topic is; we should replace all plastic products with more environmentally-friendly materials .

A very serious mistake that many candidates make is writing an essay about the general topic.

For example, if you write an essay explaining ‘ why plastic is bad for the environment’ , you won’t score higher than band 4 for Task Achievement.

You need to say if we should or shouldn’t replace all plastic products. Anything else is irrelevant.

To avoid this mistake, you must analyse the question properly. You will learn to do this later in this lesson.

Not every Task 2 question will contain an example.

However, you will sometimes find examples to help you better understand a concept or a phrase in the topic.

These examples do not need to be referred to in your answer.

In the Task 2 question above, the example of ‘glass’ is included to help you better understand the meaning of ‘environmentally-friendly materials’.

In fact, if you don’t mention ‘glass’ in any part of your answer, that’s completely fine, as this is not what you were asked to discuss.

Just be aware that examples like this won’t always be at the end of the sentence and can also be included in the middle.

As well as the phrase ‘such as’, you will also see examples introduced with;

• for example
• for instance

Common topics

It’s impossible to know exactly what topic you’ll get in your IELTS test, but some themes come up over and over again that you should be aware of.

I have already written about the most common Task 2 topics to help you prepare for your IELTS Writing test. Make sure to check that out if you haven’t already seen it.

This is the part of the question that tells you what to do. You can see this highlighted in orange below.

One of the best Writing Task 2 tips for IELTS that I can give you is to know what to expect.

In this part of the lesson, we will go through every variation of how a Task 2 question tells you what to do.

These have been organised according to how many main ideas you’ll need in your answer.

2 Main Ideas Required

Category a – what do you think.

These questions ask for your opinion and appear in roughly one-third of all IELTS Writing tests.

To answer these questions, you simply state what you think and then support your opinion with 2 main ideas.

Here are examples of how IELTS will phrase this type of question;

• Do you agree or disagree?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Is this a positive or a negative development?
• To what extent do you think animals should be owned as pets?
• Which do you consider to be the major influence?
• What is your opinion about this?
• What, in your opinion, should be the main function of having a pet?

Important considerations

Many of the questions in this category seem like one main idea would be suitable, but one main idea would not be enough development for a high score.

Essays with fewer main ideas are easier to write, so stick with two whenever possible.

This will help you get a higher score because you need a clear opinion throughout your answer.

So when you’re asked ‘ To what extent do you agree or disagree? ‘, you cannot say ‘ I agree ‘, you must say, ‘ I completely agree ‘.

Category B – Two Questions (2 main ideas)

In this category, you’ll be asked two questions and will need one main idea for each question.

Here are examples of what these questions look like;

• Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem?
• Why might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?
• Why do many people neglect their pets? What can be done about this problem?
• Why do you think pets are popular? What is your opinion of having a pet?
• Why do you think this is happening? What can governments do to help unwanted pets?

So when we’re asked something like ‘ Why might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?’, we include one main idea for the first question and one main idea for the second question.

3 Main Ideas Required

Category c – discuss both views.

This is the most common category in the IELTS Writing test and appears in about a third of all Task 2s.

The wording is always the same, and it will say;

• Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

It’s not suitable to just discuss one view and then discuss the second view as if it’s your own opinion.

It’s most logical to discuss the two views first and then, for your opinion, say which view you agree with and why.

Category D – Two questions (3 main ideas)

Like category B above, you will be asked two questions.

This time, one of the questions will include a plural noun, meaning you have to include three main ideas in your answer.

Here are some examples;

• Why is this the case? What are the benefits of pet ownership for the owner?
• Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of owning a pet?
• How might owning a pet make people happy? What are other benefits of owning a pet?
• What problems can a poor diet cause? What can be done about a poor diet?
• What factors contribute to having a poor diet? How realistic is it for everyone to have a good diet?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree? What other measures do you think might be effective?
• It’s important to read the question carefully. If the question says ‘benefits’, we’ll need to include 2 benefits, but if the question said ‘benefit’, we would only include one.

Category E – Advantages vs Disadvantages

In this category, we also need to include 3 main ideas in our answer.

This time, you’re required to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of a situation.

The following are examples of how these tasks are worded;

• Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?
• Does this situation have more advantages or more disadvantages?
• Are there more advantages than disadvantages of owning a pet compared to not owning one?
• Do you think being a celebrity brings more benefits or more problems?
• Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?
• Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
• How to respond to this category isn’t obvious, so I’ll show you what to write. Adapt one of the following sentences in the introduction of your essay; a) This has more advantages because the main advantages are A and B, whereas the main disadvantage is C. b) This has more disadvantages because the main disadvantages are A and B, whereas the main advantage is C. c) The advantages outweigh the disadvantages because the main advantages are A and B, whereas the only disadvantage is C. d) The disadvantages outweigh the advantages because the main disadvantages are A and B, whereas the only advantage is C.

4 Main Ideas Required

Category f – plural & plural.

This category only appears in roughly 1 in every 17 IELTS Writing tests, so they’re quite rare, but it’s still important that you know how to respond.

There are two plural nouns in these questions, so we have no choice but to include 4 main ideas in our essay.

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?
• What are the benefits and disadvantages for tourists who visit such places?
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.
• What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?
• Just make sure to carefully look for the letter ‘s’ at the end of the nouns to confirm that they are both plurals.

The Stages of Question Analysis

This strategy for analyzing Writing Task 2 questions is simple but very effective.

Following the steps carefully will ensure you properly understand the question, and that means that you’re off to a perfect start for a high Task 2 band score.

At first, this process seems like it will take a long time, but once you get familiar with the steps, it only takes 1 or 2 minutes and is actually a great use of time.

Step 1 – Read the question

You need to read the question slowly and carefully two times.

Step 2 – Circle words you don’t understand

On rare occasions, you’ll come across words that you don’t understand.

This is not an ideal situation, but all you can do is guess the meanings of these words by using the context of the question.

When preparing for the IELTS test, if you frequently find words that you don’t understand in Task 2 questions, this means that you need to improve your English level before you get a high score.

If that’s the situation you’re in, you can use my vocabulary improvement and grammar improvement strategies to help you.

Step 3 – Identify key information

The following questions will help you establish what the question is about.

• Does the question contain a fact or an opinion?
• Are there examples in the question?
• How many concepts are in the question?
• Is my opinion required?
• How many main ideas does my essay need?

Step 4 – Write the question in your own words

Cover the question so that you can’t see it and write it down in your own words.

When you write down the question in your own words, it’s very easy to discover any mistakes and fix them.

If you try to do this in your head, your understanding won’t be fixed, and the next step won’t be effective.

Step 5 – Compare

Now you’re going to compare the question with what you’ve written.

Review each word in the question one at a time, and make sure you don’t ignore any of them.

You’re looking for any words that could potentially change the meaning of what you wrote.

Hopefully, you’ll find a mistake in your version because that will mean that you’re definitely right after you correct it.

Question Analysis Exercises

When you learn Writing Task 2 tips for IELTS, it’s also very important to practise these.

Practice will help you confirm that you understood the tip and that you can use it.

Analyse the questions as you learned in this lesson, and you’ll find the answers below.

Here is the template you need to fill out for each of the 12 Task 2 questions below;

a) Does the question contain a fact or an opinion? b) Are there examples in the question? c) How many concepts are in the question? d) Is my opinion required? e) How many main ideas does my essay need? f) Question in my words –

Task 2 practice questions

• All over the world, different cultures are more similar now than they were in the past. Why might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?
• Each country has its own traffic laws, such as speed limits, to ensure the safety of its citizens. However, many of these laws are broken every day. What do you think are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve them?  
• In many places around the world, the percentage of elderly people in the population has increased. Why is this the case? What are the benefits?  
• In most countries, despite the benefits of cycling, fewer and fewer people are using bicycles as a means of transportation. Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem?  
• Many parents work long hours in stressful jobs so that they can provide a good standard of living for their children. Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?  
• Nowadays, some older people choose to live in retirement communities with other older people rather than living with their adult children. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.  
• Nowadays, it has become normal for couples to spend a large amount of money on their wedding day. What is your opinion about this?  
• Nowadays, for many people, shopping has become a leisure activity rather than something that needs to be done out of necessity. What problems can this cause? What can be done to resolve this?  
• Some people believe that it’s better to live in the countryside. Others argue that living in the city is superior. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.  
• Some university students live with their families while studying, but others prefer to move away from home. Do the benefits of moving out to attend university outweigh the disadvantages?  
• There are some who feel that extreme violence in movies should be banned as it can lead to criminal behaviour. To what extent do you agree or disagree?  
• There are many who feel that public transportation is the best way to commute. Others believe that private transportation such as cars is better. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. 

• a) Does the question contain a fact or an opinion?  fact b) Are there examples in the question? no c) How many concepts are in the question?  1 d) Is my opinion required?  yes e) How many main ideas does my essay need?  2 f) Question in my words –  cultures were more different in the past  
• a) Does the question contain a fact or an opinion?  fact b) Are there examples in the question?  yes c) How many concepts are in the question?  1 d) Is my opinion required?  no (the cause I mention isn’t stating an opinion) e) How many main ideas does my essay need? 4 f) Question in my words – traffic laws are regularly broken  
• a) Does the question contain a fact or an opinion? fact b) Are there examples in the question? no c) How many concepts are in the question? 1 d) Is my opinion required? no e) How many main ideas does my essay need? 3 f) Question in my words – there are more old people nowadays  
• a) Does the question contain a fact or an opinion? fact b) Are there examples in the question? no c) How many concepts are in the question? 1 d) Is my opinion required? no e) How many main ideas does my essay need? 2 f) Question in my words – more people cycled in the past  
• a) Does the question contain a fact or an opinion? fact b) Are there examples in the question? no c) How many concepts are in the question? 1 d) Is my opinion required? yes e) How many main ideas does my essay need? 3 f) Question in my words – some parents work a lot in stressful jobs to earn money for their families  
• a) Does the question contain a fact or an opinion? fact b) Are there examples in the question? no c) How many concepts are in the question? 1 d) Is my opinion required? no e) How many main ideas does my essay need? 4 f) Question in my words – some elderly people decide to live in nursing homes instead of with their children  
• a) Does the question contain a fact or an opinion? fact b) Are there examples in the question? no c) How many concepts are in the question? 1 d) Is my opinion required? yes e) How many main ideas does my essay need? 2 f) Question in my words – couples spend a lot on their weddings  
• a) Does the question contain a fact or an opinion? fact b) Are there examples in the question? no c) How many concepts are in the question? 1 d) Is my opinion required? no e) How many main ideas does my essay need? 3 f) Question in my words – people are shopping for pleasure instead of when they need something  
• a) Does the question contain a fact or an opinion? opinion b) Are there examples in the question? no c) How many concepts are in the question? 2 d) Is my opinion required? yes e) How many main ideas does my essay need? 3 f) Question in my words – living in the countryside vs living in a city  
• a) Does the question contain a fact or an opinion? fact b) Are there examples in the question? no c) How many concepts are in the question? 2 d) Is my opinion required? yes e) How many main ideas does my essay need? 3 f) Question in my words – staying at home vs moving out for university  
• a) Does the question contain a fact or an opinion? opinion b) Are there examples in the question? no c) How many concepts are in the question? 1 d) Is my opinion required? yes e) How many main ideas does my essay need? 2 f) Question in my words – violent movies should be illegal to help reduce crime rates  
• a) Does the question contain a fact or an opinion? opinion b) Are there examples in the question? yes c) How many concepts are in the question? 2 d) Is my opinion required? yes e) How many main ideas does my essay need? 3 f) Question in my words – public vs private transportation

Writing Task 2 Tips for IELTS – What now?

Continue to practice this process at home until you remember exactly what to do and you’re completely comfortable with it.

Click here , here , here and here for reliable questions you can use while doing this.

Now that you’ve completed the first of my Writing Task 2 Tips for IELTS, the next step is to plan your essays carefully so that your main ideas are relevant and specific and then you’ll be able to follow the exact method of writing an essay .

However, if you haven’t already completed my Task 2 lessons for Task Achievement , Coherence & Cohesion , Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy , I recommend that you do these first.

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Ielts writing task 2 - tips for crafting a strong introduction and conclusion.

Crafting a compelling introduction and conclusion is very important in IELTS Writing task 2 , as they serve as the gateway to engage the reader and leave a lasting impression. A strong introduction captures the reader's attention, establishes the topic's relevance, and presents a clear thesis statement, while a well-crafted conclusion provides a concise summary of the main points and offers a thoughtful final perspective. By following effective strategies and following essential guidelines, you can improve your IELTS Writing performance and maximise your chances of achieving success in this crucial section.

Tips for writing a strong introduction in the IELTS Writing task 2

Here are the 5 tips for you to consider when practicing writing a good introduction on the IELTS Writing task 2 :

Tip 1: Thoroughly read and analyse the question

To effectively address all aspects of the question or task in a meaningful manner, it is essential to dedicate time to carefully read and analyse the prompt. Your introduction acts as the initial step towards accomplishing this objective, as it introduces your response to each component of the question. Therefore, taking a moment to comprehend and dissect the task before commencing your writing allows you to fully grasp the precise focus and requirements of the prompt, enabling you to provide a comprehensive and relevant answer.

Tip 2: Start with a general statement and focus on the specifics of the question

In most instances, Writing task 2 usually starts with a general statement that gradually narrows down to specific points or inquiries pertaining to the given topic. Using a similar approach in your introduction can be an effective method to initiate your essay. However, it is crucial to ensure that your general statement maintains a clear connection to the topic and avoids being overly broad.

By striking the right balance, you can provide an engaging introduction that captures the reader's attention while remaining focused on the task at hand.

Tip 3: Use your original language

While it is undoubtedly acceptable for you to use the task structure as a guide for your introduction, it is important to avoid copying its content. Directly replicating the content raises concerns about your language proficiency and may impact your band score negatively.

Instead, try to rephrase the information, rearrange its structure, use synonyms, and express intricate concepts using your own words. Moreover, it is essential to steer clear of using memorised introductions that involve inserting preconceived phrases related to the question topic.

Skilled examiners evaluate numerous responses, enabling them to identify scripted responses, so prioritising originality should be your first concern when writing an introduction.

Tip 4: Clearly express your stance

When approaching the IELTS Writing task 2, it is crucial to delve into the various aspects of the task. Consequently, it is essential to express and state your opinions in the introduction.

Tip 5: Outline how you plan to approach your essay

While this approach may be seen as an option, providing a concise explanation of how you intend to expand on the topic can assist in structuring your writing effectively. Additionally, it serves as a helpful guide for the examiner, offering insight into the content you will address in your essay.

Review your introductory paragraph

Remember to reread your introduction after completing your essay. It is common for test takers to initially start with a specific argument or organisational structure, but as they explore the topic, they may change their perspectives. Hence, once you finish Writing task 2, it is crucial to ensure that your final draft aligns with your introduction.

Now that we have covered essential techniques for crafting a strong introduction in Writing task 2, let's proceed to examine a sample introduction. Begin by reading and analysing the prompt, as discussed in tip

Then, carefully examine the sample introduction, paying attention to the highlighted strategies.

Sample question

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample introduction (Answer)

General statement:.

Nuclear technology has been around for many years.

Whether this technology is used for weapons of mass destruction or as a source of energy, many are of the belief that the use of nuclear energy has more advantages than disadvantages.

In my opinion, nuclear technology can indeed be a very efficient energy source. However, nuclear weapons possess such enormous destructive power that any benefits that this technology may offer to humankind are not enough to counter its potentially devastating effects.

This essay will address why the drawbacks of nuclear technology outweigh the benefits and will include relevant examples to support this position.

Similar to how a well-crafted introduction informs the examiner about the content of your essay, a strong conclusion serves to reinforce the key points presented and provides a summary of the essential aspects you want the examiner to retain from your writing. Be sure to read further for insightful information on effective strategies for composing a compelling conclusion!

Tips for writing a strong conclusion in the IELTS Writing task 2

Tip 1: connect your conclusion to the introductory paragraph.

Consider your introduction and conclusion as integral parts of a cohesive whole, as they should be closely intertwined. Ensure that you:

• Revisit the concepts or themes you initially introduced
• Provide additional perspectives gained from exploring the body of your essay.

Tip 2: Summarise the primary arguments of your essay

In your conclusion, it is crucial to offer a concise overview of the key points discussed in your essay. However, it is essential to avoid repetition. Instead, demonstrate to the examiner how your arguments and the supporting evidence seamlessly interconnect.

Tip 3: Steer clear of repeating things

While summarising the primary points of your essay, refrain from echoing the language used in your body paragraphs. Try to imply diverse vocabulary and sentence structures to avoid repetitive patterns. This approach will demonstrate to the examiner your ability to utilise a broader range of vocabulary and grammatical constructions.

Tip 4: Express your personal viewpoint

When undertaking Writing task 2, it is important to present your opinion in the form of an essay. If you reach the concluding paragraph and realise that you have omitted your viewpoint, ensure that you use it in your conclusion to ensure clarity.

Tip 5: Avoid introducing new arguments

Ensure that your conclusion does not introduce fresh points. Remember that the purpose of your closing paragraph is to provide a sense of finality to your essay, rather than introducing novel ideas.

To Implement these tips into practice

After exploring various strategies for crafting a compelling conclusion, it is crucial to understand how these techniques work together to seamlessly conclude an essay. To illustrate this, let's examine a sample question, introductory paragraph, and conclusion. Observe how to use all five tips to create a cohesive ending.

Sample conclusion (Answer)

Nuclear technology is extremely dangerous. Even though nuclear weapons have only been used twice, in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, evidence from these actions, as well as from nuclear accidents such as the Chernobyl disaster, are irrefutable proof of the disastrous effects of nuclear technology. Even in the absence of nuclear accidents, nuclear power inevitably produces radioactive waste, which is severely damaging to our bodies. Our best protection against these dangers is to simply not use nuclear technology. Instead, we should look for alternative ways to produce sustainable energy and achieve world peace by spreading a message of tolerance, kindness, and non-violence.

If you review the main points in the example conclusion above:

• The destructive power of nuclear weapons
• The disastrous consequences of nuclear disasters
• The harmful effects of radioactive waste

You will see the writer reminds the examiner (reader) of the importance of their main ideas while summarising how this point fits well with the examples provided in the body of the essay.

To finish, you can see how the writer highlights their proposed course of action, which helps the essay end on a positive note.

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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.

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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

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IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write a good introduction

Introductions are an important part of a Writing Task 2 essay. They let your examiner know what to expect from your essay. That’s why we have put together a quick list of tips you can use to write an effective introduction for Writing Task 2.

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An introduction is important to the essay because it creates an initial impression in terms of the quality of your writing. A clear, well-organised and relevant introduction will most certainly create a positive first impression on the examiner. So, what makes up an effective introduction? Let’s take a look.  

Tip 1: Stop to read and analyse the question

In Writing Task 2, you need to address all the parts of the question or task in a relevant way. Because your introduction is the first step towards achieving this goal, you need to introduce your answer to all the different parts of the question. This is why it is important to take some time to read and analyse the task before you start writing, so you know exactly what you are being asked to write about. 

Tip 2: Begin with a general statement and then focus in on the details of the question

Writing Task 2 questions usually begin with a general statement before focusing in on more specific points or questions about the topic. Using a similar model in your own introduction is a great way to start your essay, but make sure that your general statement is clearly related to your topic and is not too broad. 

Tip 3: Use your own words

While it is perfectly acceptable for you to use the task as a guide for your introduction, make sure you do not copy material from the task.  

Copying the task word-for-word shows the examiner that you have a limited range of language, which can affect your band score. Instead, change the order of the information, use synonyms, and explain more complex ideas in your own words.  

It is also important not to use a memorised introduction where you insert words related to the question topic. Examiners read thousands of responses so can recognise memorised scripts.

Tip 4: State your position

In Writing Task 2, you will need to develop a position while exploring the different parts of the task. It is then important that you clearly state your position in your introduction. 

Tip 5: Explain how you plan to develop your essay

Even though this strategy can be considered as optional, briefly explaining how you plan to develop the topic can help you better organise your writing. It is also a good way to let the examiner know what you’ll be covering in the essay. 

Review your introduction

Don’t forget to re-read your introduction once you’ve finished writing your essay. It is common for test takers to begin their essays thinking about a specific argument, or a specific way to organise their writing but change their minds as they develop the topic. So, after completing your Writing Task 2, make sure that your final draft still matches your introduction. 

Now that we have gone over some important strategies for writing a good introduction for Writing Task 2, it’s time to look at a sample introduction. Start by reading and analysing the prompt, as mentioned in tip 1. Then, carefully read the sample introduction and notice the different strategies used, which have been highlighted for you.

Sample question

The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace. Nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy. 

The benefits of nuclear technology far outweigh the disadvantages. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree?  

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. 

Write at least 250 words.

Sample introduction

General Statement: 

Nuclear technology has been around for many years.  

Details: 

Whether this technology is used for weapons of mass destruction or as a source of energy, many are of the belief that the use of nuclear energy has more advantages than disadvantages. 

Position: 

In my opinion, nuclear technology can indeed be a very efficient energy source. However, nuclear weapons possess such enormous destructive power that any benefits that this technology may offer to humankind are not enough to counter its potential devastating effects. 

Plan: 

This essay will address why the drawbacks of nuclear technology outweigh the benefits and will include relevant examples to support this position.

Just as an effective introduction will let the examiner know what they can expect from your essay, a good conclusion will remind them of the main points presented and will summarise what you want your examiner to remember from your writing. Check our blog for our post on strategies for writing a good conclusion! 

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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.

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