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Free IELTS Practice Tests | Target Band Score Achievement

IELTS Writing Task 2 Complete Guide

Everything you need to know to achieve Band 7+ in IELTS Writing Task 2

Task 2 Overview

Key Facts
  • Time: 40 minutes recommended
  • Word count: Minimum 250 words
  • Weight: 66% of Writing score
  • Format: Academic essay
Assessment Criteria (25% each)
  • Task Response: Answer all parts fully
  • Coherence & Cohesion: Logical flow
  • Lexical Resource: Vocabulary range
  • Grammar: Accuracy & complexity

5 Main Essay Types

1. Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree)

Question Format:

"Some people think that... To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

Structure:
  1. Introduction: Paraphrase question + state your opinion clearly
  2. Body Paragraph 1: First reason with example
  3. Body Paragraph 2: Second reason with example
  4. Body Paragraph 3 (optional): Counter-argument & refutation
  5. Conclusion: Restate opinion + summarize main points
Sample Introduction:

Question: Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample: "It is often argued that children should start their formal schooling as early as possible. While I understand this viewpoint, I strongly disagree and believe that early childhood should be dedicated to play-based learning rather than formal education."

2. Discussion Essay (Both Views)

Question Format:

"Some people believe... while others think... Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Structure:
  1. Introduction: Paraphrase both views + state you will discuss both
  2. Body Paragraph 1: First view with reasons
  3. Body Paragraph 2: Second view with reasons
  4. Body Paragraph 3: Your opinion (which view you support)
  5. Conclusion: Summarize both views + restate your opinion

3. Advantages and Disadvantages

Question Format:

"What are the advantages and disadvantages of...?"

Structure:
  1. Introduction: Paraphrase topic + mention both advantages and disadvantages exist
  2. Body Paragraph 1: 2-3 advantages with examples
  3. Body Paragraph 2: 2-3 disadvantages with examples
  4. Conclusion: Summarize + give balanced view or slight opinion

4. Problem and Solution

Question Format:

"What are the causes of this problem and what solutions can you suggest?"

Structure:
  1. Introduction: Paraphrase problem + mention you'll discuss causes and solutions
  2. Body Paragraph 1: 2-3 main causes/problems
  3. Body Paragraph 2: 2-3 practical solutions
  4. Conclusion: Summarize key problems and most effective solutions

5. Two-Part Question

Question Format:

"Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?"

Structure:
  1. Introduction: Paraphrase + mention you'll answer both parts
  2. Body Paragraph 1: Answer first question fully
  3. Body Paragraph 2: Answer second question fully
  4. Conclusion: Brief summary of both answers

Band 7+ Writing Techniques

1. Advanced Introduction Techniques
  • Paraphrase effectively: Change word forms, use synonyms, alter sentence structure
  • Use complex sentences: "While it is true that..., I believe..."
  • Include a thesis statement: Clear position on the topic
2. Body Paragraph Development
  • Topic sentence: Clear main idea for each paragraph
  • Explanation: Develop your point with reasoning
  • Example: Specific, relevant examples
  • Result/Consequence: What this means or leads to
  • Link: Connect back to the question
3. Cohesive Devices
Adding Information:
  • Furthermore, Moreover, In addition
  • Not only... but also
  • Besides this, Apart from this
Contrasting:
  • However, Nevertheless, Nonetheless
  • On the other hand, In contrast
  • Despite this, In spite of this
4. Vocabulary Enhancement
Basic Advanced
good beneficial, advantageous, favorable
bad detrimental, adverse, unfavorable
important crucial, vital, significant
problem issue, challenge, predicament
solve address, tackle, resolve
5. Grammar for Higher Bands
  • Complex sentences: Use subordinate clauses effectively
  • Passive voice: "It is widely believed that..."
  • Conditionals: "If this trend continues, it could lead to..."
  • Perfect tenses: "This has resulted in..."
  • Modal verbs: Show degrees of certainty

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Critical Errors
  • Writing less than 250 words (automatic penalty)
  • Not answering all parts of the question
  • Going completely off-topic
  • No clear paragraphing
Common Issues
  • Memorized phrases that don't fit the context
  • Overgeneralization ("All people think...")
  • Personal anecdotes instead of general examples
  • Informal language (gonna, wanna, etc.)
  • Repetitive vocabulary
  • No clear position in opinion essays

Band 8 Sample Essay

Question

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

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Answer (Band 8)

It is argued that high school students should be required to participate in unpaid community service as part of their educational curriculum. While I acknowledge the potential benefits of such programmes, I largely disagree with making them mandatory for several compelling reasons.

Admittedly, compulsory community service could offer valuable benefits to both students and society. Firstly, it would expose young people to real-world problems and foster a sense of social responsibility that classroom learning alone cannot provide. For instance, students working in homeless shelters would gain firsthand understanding of poverty and develop empathy towards disadvantaged groups. Secondly, such programmes could help students develop practical skills and discover potential career paths. A student teaching sports to children might realize their passion for education or coaching, influencing their future career choices.

However, I believe the disadvantages of mandatory community service outweigh these benefits. The primary concern is that forcing students to volunteer contradicts the fundamental principle of voluntary work, which should stem from genuine desire to help rather than obligation. This compulsion could breed resentment and potentially create negative attitudes towards community service that persist into adulthood. Moreover, mandatory programmes would place additional pressure on students who are already struggling with academic demands, part-time jobs, or family responsibilities. For economically disadvantaged students who need to work to support their families, unpaid mandatory service could pose a significant financial burden.

Furthermore, implementing such programmes would require substantial resources for coordination, supervision, and safety measures. Schools would need to establish partnerships with organizations, ensure proper training, and monitor student participation. These resources might be better invested in improving educational quality or providing optional volunteer opportunities for genuinely interested students.

In conclusion, while community service undoubtedly offers valuable experiences, making it compulsory for high school students is problematic. Instead, schools should encourage voluntary participation by highlighting the benefits and providing diverse opportunities, allowing students to engage in community service out of genuine interest rather than obligation. This approach would be more likely to foster lifelong civic engagement and social responsibility.

Word count: 329

Why This Scores Band 8:
  • Task Response: Fully addresses all parts, clear position throughout
  • Coherence: Logical progression, effective paragraphing, good use of cohesive devices
  • Vocabulary: Wide range (compulsory, foster, empathy, persist, substantial)
  • Grammar: Complex structures, error-free, variety of tenses

Practice Topics by Theme

  1. Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others believe that school is the place to learn this. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  2. University students should pay the full cost of their education because university education benefits individuals rather than society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  3. Some people believe that children should not be given homework, while others think homework is essential for education. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

  1. With the rise of e-books, some people think that printed books will disappear. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  2. Many people work from home using modern technology today. Some people think that this is only beneficial to workers, not employers. Do you agree or disagree?
  3. Social media is replacing face-to-face interaction among many people in society. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

  1. Some people say that the main environmental problem is the loss of particular species. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  2. International travel has become cheaper and countries are opening their doors to more tourists. Do the advantages of increased tourism outweigh the disadvantages?
  3. Governments should make people responsible for looking after their own local environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Quick Tips
Time Management
  • Planning: 5-10 minutes
  • Writing: 25-30 minutes
  • Checking: 5 minutes
Word Count Tips
  • Aim for 270-290 words
  • 4-5 paragraphs ideal
  • 13-17 sentences typical
Final Checklist
  • Answered all parts?
  • Clear position?
  • Examples included?
  • Paragraphs linked?
  • Grammar varied?
  • Spelling checked?
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