IELTS Writing Task 2

In IELTS Writing Task 2, students are asked to write a formal essay of at least 250 words, in 4-5 paragraphs based on the given writing task 2 essay topics. Students should remember that task 2 holds about 66% of the writing task scores, so it is important to prepare well for it. The task is similar for both Academic and General Training with regards to the type of questions and the scoring, but the topics given for General Training will be slightly easier than Academic.

In this article, you will get to know about the methods of preparation for the IELTS exam and the tips to follow in order to get a good score.

IELTS WRITING TASK 2 – BAND SCORES

Assessing Elements Band 5 Band 6 Band 7 Band 8
Task response
  •  The task is addressed vaguely. There are pointers on the general topic but not on the specifics.
  •  The opinion might be unclear.
  • Ideas are neither relevant to the topic nor explained clearly.
  • No proper opening or closing passages.
  • Topic and issues are addressed yet are vague.
  • Their side/opinion is clear.
  • The main ideas are relevant.
  • The supporting ideas are not relevant.
  • The concluding passage may be unclear or repetitive.
  • All the issues and questions in the task are addressed.
  • Their opinion/side on the topic is presented clearly.
  • The opinions are supported by reason and examples.
  • There might be an obscure supporting point rather than a distinct point.
  • Addresses all parts/questions in the essay clearly.
  • A clear side is taken and reasons supporting this opinion is clearly mentioned in every paragraph of the essay.
  • The main ideas are relevant.
  • Supporting ideas are explained clearly with examples.
Coherence & Cohesion
  • Content in the paragraphs isn’t structured properly.
  • Vocabulary used might not be suitable or appropriate for the topic.
  • Repetition might occur due to a lack of ideas.
  • Information is organized into paragraphs effectively.
  • Linking devices may be used but not precisely.
  • References are used but not clearly.
  • Information is organized into paragraphs effectively.
  • Each paragraph focuses on one central topic.
  • A good range of linking devices are used but might also over-use or underuse it at times.
  • References made are good.
  • Information is organized into paragraphs effectively.
  • Each paragraph focuses on one central topic.
  • Linking and coherence in the passage are excellent.
  • References made are excellent.
Lexical Response
  • A minimal range of vocabulary.
  • Spelling errors or wrong word formations.
  • Ideas are not conveyed properly to the examiner (i.e) poor language usage.
  • A fair range of vocabulary is used.
  • Some uncommon words are used but might be used incorrectly.
  • Ideas are conveyed clearly.
  • Spelling errors or wrong word formations are less.
  • A good range of vocabulary specific to the topic/issue or ideas.
  • A decent number of less common words.
  • Usage of style and collocations.
  • Random errors in spelling and wrong word formations.
  • A wide range of vocabulary specific to the topic/issue or ideas.
  • Ample of less common words used correctly.
  • Rare spelling errors and wrong word formations.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
  • Limited range of sentence structures.
  • Grammar and Punctuation errors.
  • Poorly built sentences/paragraphs w.r.t to language.
  • Fail to use complex sentences with sentence structures.
  • Simple and complex sentence structures will be used.
  • Limited grammar and punctuation errors.
  • Sentences/paragraphs that convey meaning to the reader.
  • Ample of complex sentence structures.
  • Error-free sentences.
  • Grammar free sentences.
  • Grammar and punctuation errors from time to time.
  •  Majority of the sentences are free of errors.
  • A variety of complex sentence structures.

 

IELTS – GENERAL WRITING TASK 2 VS IELTS – ACADEMIC WRITING TASK 2

  • Essays in IELTS Academic will be slightly tougher than in IELTS General.
  • The choice of topics will vary between the two. IELTS Academic will have complex topics whereas IELTS General will have comparatively simpler ones.

IELTS WRITING TASK 2 TIPS (OR) IELTS ESSAY WRITING TIPS

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 to be more difficult compared to Writing task 1.

What should you know about TASK 2? 

  • You will be allotted 40 minutes to complete this task.
  • The essay should comprise of 4-5 paragraphs including the introduction and conclusion.
  • DO NOT compose too many body paragraphs. Around 2-3 body paragraphs would be sufficient.
  • Use proper grammar/vocab to convey your ideas or points. (e.g.) Words used to give reasons – because, due to. (or) words used to contradict points – however, but, although.
  • Plan your essay
    • Identify what is asked in the question.
      • Do you have to write for both the sides or do you have to choose a side?
      • Do you have to provide answers to all the questions?
      • Do you have to convey only the advantages and disadvantages or do you have to give an opinion?
    • Brainstorm the main points.
    • Construct your paragraphs.
      • Gather your supporting points for your central idea of each paragraph with examples.
  • Check your TASK RESPONSE
    • Check on the number of questions asked. Did you answer it all?
    • Were you told to choose a side? Did you choose a side?
    • Do all your paragraphs focus on one central topic/idea?
      • Do these ideas have supporting points and answers?
  • Remember that you aren’t being assessed for your knowledge but your ability to put your thoughts through in an essay using the English Language. Although relevancy is one of the factors you’re assessed upon, it isn’t the only factor. Do not spend too much time on making the content perfect!

Click to get more tips to improve your writing skills.

IELTS ESSAY TYPES

The common types of essays may be based on direct questions, discussions, advantages or disadvantages, solutions, opinions and so on. It may vary from one teacher to another based on how comfortable they are in transferring the knowledge that they have. Each essay type in IELTS Writing task 2 has a dedicated structure.

Opinion Essay:

An opinion essay is an essay in which you have to explain the given topic based on the opinion that you have regarding that topic.

How to plan your opinion essay:

  • Read the question properly and pick a side/opinion.
  • Figure out why you have that opinion.
  • Know the reasons behind your opinion and use them as main points.
  • List out your supporting reasons + examples.

Example question for an opinion essay:

Many people say that the only way to guarantee a good job is to complete a course in university education. Others claim that it is better to start work after school and gain experience in the world of work. 


How far do you agree or disagree with the above views? Give a reason for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

Discussion Essay:

In the discussion essay, the topic along with two opposing statements are given. You are asked to discuss both the opposing statements and give supporting points for both the statements. Do not give your opinion unless it’s been asked.

How to plan your discussion essay:

  • Read the question properly and understand if you’ve got to give an opinion.
    • If you don’t, think about the main ideas revolving around both the statements.
    • If you do, think about the opinion and the main ideas linking to that opinion.
  • Ponder on the supporting points and examples related to the main idea.

Example question for a discussion essay:

Some people prefer to directly help or support people who need it in the local community, however, others prefer to give money to national or international charities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Write at least 250 words.

Advantage or Disadvantage Essays:

In this type of essay, a topic is given and you’ll be asked to write for and against that particular topic. Discuss the positive and negative points of the essay topic. However, sometimes you may be asked to state your opinion too. In such cases, you should use another body paragraph to explain your opinion.

How to plan your advantages/disadvantages essay:

  • Read the question properly and understand if you’ve got to give an opinion.
  • Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages that you want to write about in your essay.
  • Make a list of points supporting each advantage or disadvantage.
  • If you’re supposed to give an opinion, make sure you have reasons to support your opinions.

Example of an advantages/disadvantages question:

Some people think that youngsters should be required to do unpaid work helping people in the community. Are disadvantages of this requirement greater than the benefits for the community and individuals?

Write at least 250 words.

Solution Essays:

In solution essays, the topic will be given regarding normal problems or issues people face and you’ll be asked to give the solution. Sometimes the question may also be why this particular issue happened and you may be asked to give your opinions based on the issues.

How to plan a problem solution essay:

  • Make a list of the problems related to the topic given. 2-3 problems can be taken up.
  • The solutions to these problems should be addressed.
  • Construct your paragraphs in such a way that the problems are in one paragraph and solutions in the other (or) paragraphs consisting of a problem and solution.

Example of a cause-solution essay:

People today do not feel safe either at home or when they are out. What are the causes? What are the solutions?

Write at least 250 words.

Direct Question Essays:

These essays are slightly difficult when compared to other type of essays, as you won’t be given a direct task but some general questions and based on these questions you’ll have to answer the essay. You can give different paragraphs for all the general questions.

How to plan a direct question essay:

  • Read the questions given.
  • Focus on each question separately.
  • Figure out an answer for each question separately.
  • These answers should have a main point, supporting points to your main point and examples.
  • Recheck if all the questions are answered before you begin writing the answer.

Example of a direct question essay:

The world natural resources are consumed at an ever-increased rate. What are the dangers of this situation? What should we do?

Write at least 250 words.