IELTS Writing Task 2: A Guide
The essay: question types, topics, planning and bands — practised by Philo and Sophia.
•Writing Task 2, at a glance
Task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words, in about 40 minutes, and it counts for twice as much as Task 1. Academic and General Training essays are very similar; General Training topics are a little more everyday.
The main question types
Opinion
- “To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
- Give a clear position, and keep it all the way through.
Discussion
- “Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
- Both sides, then your view.
Advantages and disadvantages
- “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”
- Weigh them, and say which side wins.
Problem and solution
- “What are the causes of this problem, and what can be done?”
- Answer both questions.
Two-part question
- Two direct questions: answer both, equally.
Common topics
Topics that come up again and again
- Education and learning
- Technology and the internet
- Work and employment
- Health and lifestyle
- The environment
- Crime and punishment
- Government and society
- Globalisation, travel and culture
A plan that works
Introduction
paraphrase + your position
Body 1
one main idea + example
Body 2
a second idea + example
Conclusion
sum up your view
Worked example — an introduction
“Some people think libraries are no longer necessary because information is freely available online. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Sophia
It is often argued that public libraries have become unnecessary now that so much information can be found online at no cost. While I accept that the internet has changed how people search for facts, I strongly disagree that libraries have lost their purpose, since they offer reliable, organised knowledge and a free public space that the internet cannot replace.
PhiloYou didn’t copy the question.
SophiaNever. I paraphrased it, and I gave my position in the very first paragraph. The examiner should know what I think before they read the second sentence of my body paragraph.
Tips for Task 2
- Spend 5 minutes planning: it saves time later.
- Answer every part of the question: missing one part limits your Task Response band.
- One main idea per paragraph, developed with an explanation and an example.
- Leave 3 minutes to check: articles, plurals, verb agreement and spelling.
Task 2: what separates the bands
What separates the bands, in plain English
Band 5Answers only part of the question; position unclear; ideas not developed; frequent errors.
Band 6Addresses all parts, but some ideas are underdeveloped; position is relevant but may become unclear.
Band 7A clear position throughout; main ideas extended and supported; a variety of complex sentences with good control.
Band 8Fully developed response, well-supported ideas, wide vocabulary used naturally, and only rare errors.
Based on the published IELTS test format. Score conversions are approximate and vary slightly from test to test. Always check ielts.org for the latest information.