IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips: Essay Strategies That Get Band 7+
Writing Task 2 is the most heavily weighted part of the IELTS Writing section and the area where most test-takers lose marks. This guide breaks down exactly what examiners look for, how to structure your essay for any question type, and the specific mistakes that keep scores below Band 7.
Understanding Task 2
In Task 2, you write an essay of at least 250 words in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. You have approximately 40 minutes (out of the total 60 for Writing).
The Four Marking Criteria
Every Task 2 essay is assessed on these four criteria, each worth 25% of the Writing Task 2 score:
| Criterion | What Examiners Look For | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Task Response (TR) | Did you fully address the question? Is your position clear? Are ideas well-developed with examples? | 25% |
| Coherence & Cohesion (CC) | Is the essay logically organised? Clear paragraphing? Appropriate use of linking words? | 25% |
| Lexical Resource (LR) | Range and accuracy of vocabulary? Can you paraphrase and use less common words? | 25% |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA) | Mix of sentence structures? Frequency of errors? Complex sentences used accurately? | 25% |
The 4 Main Question Types
Recognising the question type is critical because it determines your essay structure and what you must include.
Type 1: Opinion (Agree/Disagree)
"Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
You must: State your opinion clearly and support it with reasons and examples. You can fully agree, fully disagree, or partially agree.
Type 2: Discuss Both Views
"Some people believe that children should be taught to compete. Others believe children should be taught to cooperate. Discuss both views and give your own opinion."
You must: Discuss BOTH sides fairly, then state which you prefer and why. Ignoring one side will lower your Task Response score.
Type 3: Advantages and Disadvantages
"More and more people are working from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?"
You must: Discuss both advantages and disadvantages. If the question asks "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?", you must also state your view.
Type 4: Problem-Solution / Causes-Effects
"In many cities, traffic congestion is a growing problem. What are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?"
You must: Identify causes/problems AND propose solutions. Both parts must be addressed equally.
The Proven Essay Structure
This 4-paragraph structure works for every question type and is what examiners expect to see:
Paragraph 1: Introduction (40-50 words)
- Sentence 1: Paraphrase the question (do NOT copy it word for word)
- Sentence 2: State your thesis / outline what the essay will cover
Example (Opinion question):
"It is often argued that extending prison sentences is the most effective approach to reducing crime. While longer incarceration may deter some offenders, I believe that education and rehabilitation programmes are more effective long-term solutions."
Paragraph 2: Body Paragraph 1 (80-100 words)
- Topic sentence: State your main point for this paragraph
- Explanation: Explain WHY this point is valid
- Example: Provide a specific example or evidence
- Link: Connect back to the question or to your thesis
Paragraph 3: Body Paragraph 2 (80-100 words)
Follow the same structure. For "discuss both views" questions, this paragraph addresses the opposing view. For opinion essays, this is your second supporting argument or a counterargument you address and refute.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion (30-40 words)
- Summarise: Briefly restate your main points (do not introduce new ideas)
- Position: Restate your overall opinion or recommendation
Time Management: The 40-Minute Plan
| Phase | Time | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | 5 minutes | Identify question type. Brainstorm ideas. Choose your position. Outline 2 main body points with examples. |
| Introduction | 5 minutes | Write a 2-3 sentence introduction: paraphrase + thesis. |
| Body Paragraph 1 | 10 minutes | Topic sentence + explanation + example + link. Aim for 80-100 words. |
| Body Paragraph 2 | 10 minutes | Topic sentence + explanation + example + link. Aim for 80-100 words. |
| Conclusion | 5 minutes | Summarise main points. Restate position. 30-40 words. |
| Checking | 5 minutes | Check grammar, spelling, word count, and task response. |
Vocabulary Tips for Higher Scores
Paraphrasing the Question
Never copy the question word for word. Paraphrase using synonyms and different sentence structures:
| Original | Paraphrase |
|---|---|
| "young people" | adolescents, the younger generation, teenagers |
| "increasing" | growing, rising, escalating, on the rise |
| "important" | crucial, vital, significant, essential |
| "problem" | issue, challenge, concern, difficulty |
| "advantage" | benefit, merit, positive aspect, upside |
| "opinion" | view, perspective, stance, belief |
Useful Linking Words and Phrases
| Purpose | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Adding a point | Furthermore, In addition, Moreover, Additionally |
| Contrasting | However, On the other hand, Nevertheless, Conversely |
| Giving examples | For instance, For example, To illustrate, A case in point is |
| Cause and effect | Consequently, As a result, Therefore, This leads to |
| Conceding | While it is true that, Admittedly, Although, Despite |
| Concluding | In conclusion, To summarise, On balance, Overall |
Grammar Tips for Band 7+
Band 7 requires "a variety of complex structures" with "frequent error-free sentences." Here is what to aim for:
Mix Simple and Complex Sentences
- Simple: "Technology has transformed education."
- Compound: "Technology has transformed education, and this trend is likely to continue."
- Complex: "Although technology has transformed education, some argue that traditional methods remain more effective for developing critical thinking."
Useful Complex Structures
- Conditionals: "If governments invested more in public transport, traffic congestion would decrease significantly."
- Relative clauses: "Renewable energy, which is becoming increasingly affordable, offers a viable alternative to fossil fuels."
- Passive voice: "It is widely believed that education is the key to social mobility."
- Concessive clauses: "While technology offers many benefits, its impact on mental health cannot be ignored."
Study our Grammar section for detailed explanations and exercises.
Top 10 Task 2 Mistakes to Avoid
- Not answering all parts of the question — Read the question carefully. If it asks for causes AND solutions, you must cover both.
- Writing fewer than 250 words — You will be penalised. Aim for 270-290.
- Copying the question — Always paraphrase. Copied words are not counted in your word count.
- No clear position — If asked for your opinion, state it clearly in the introduction and conclusion.
- Unsupported ideas — Every main point needs explanation and an example. Vague statements like "This is good for society" are not enough.
- Poor paragraphing — Each body paragraph should have ONE main idea. Do not mix multiple arguments in a single paragraph.
- Memorised phrases — Examiners detect and penalise memorised content. Write naturally.
- Overusing "I think" — Vary your expression: "It could be argued that," "From my perspective," "I am firmly convinced that."
- Not checking your work — Always leave 5 minutes to proofread. Fix obvious grammar and spelling errors.
- Spending too long on Task 1 — Task 2 is worth twice as much. If you spend 30 minutes on Task 1, you only have 30 minutes for Task 2.
Sample Essay Outline: Step by Step
Let us walk through a complete outline for this question:
"Some people think that the government should invest more money in public transport. Others believe the money should be spent on building new roads. Discuss both views and give your opinion."
Step 1: Identify Question Type
This is a Discuss Both Views + Opinion question.
Step 2: Plan (5 minutes)
- View 1 (public transport): Reduces emissions, reduces congestion, affordable for low-income. Example: London Underground
- View 2 (new roads): Economic growth, connects rural areas, supports freight. Example: Highway development in developing countries
- My opinion: Public transport is the better investment for urban areas, but roads are needed for rural connectivity
Step 3: Write Introduction
"There is ongoing debate about whether government funds should be directed towards improving public transportation systems or constructing additional road infrastructure. While both investments have merit, I believe that prioritising public transport offers greater long-term benefits for most urban populations."
Step 4: Body Paragraphs
Each paragraph follows: Topic Sentence → Explanation → Example → Link back
Step 5: Conclusion
"In conclusion, while new roads are necessary in some contexts, investing in public transport is the more sustainable and equitable choice for governments facing budget constraints. A balanced approach that prioritises public transit in cities while maintaining rural road networks would be the most effective strategy."
Common Task 2 Topics to Practise
These topics appear frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2:
- Education and technology
- Environment and climate change
- Health and lifestyle
- Crime and punishment
- Globalisation and culture
- Government spending priorities
- Social media and communication
- Work-life balance
- Urbanisation and housing
- Science and research funding
Practise with our Task 2 question bank and use the Word Counter to check your word count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Always identify the question type before planning
- Spend 5 minutes planning — a planned essay always scores higher
- Use the 4-paragraph structure: Introduction, Body 1, Body 2, Conclusion
- Aim for 270-290 words
- Paraphrase the question — never copy it
- Support every point with an explanation and example
- Use a mix of simple and complex sentences
- Leave 5 minutes to check for errors
For overall IELTS strategies, see our Band 7 tips guide, and start practising with our Writing section resources.