Writing Task 2 is a 250-word essay written in about 40 minutes, and it is worth twice as much as Task 1. The questions cover everyday social topics (education, technology, environment, work, health), and every question belongs to one of five essay types. Recognise the type, and you know exactly what the examiner expects.
The five essay types#
| Essay type | The question ends with… | What you must do | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opinion | To what extent do you agree or disagree? | Give one clear position and support it | Opinion essay |
| Discussion | Discuss both views and give your own opinion. | Explain both views, then give yours | Discussion essay |
| Advantages / disadvantages | Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? | Describe both and (often) judge which is stronger | Advantages & disadvantages |
| Problem / solution | What are the causes… and what solutions…? | Explain causes or problems and matching solutions | Problem–solution essay |
| Two-part question | Why is this? Is it positive or negative? | Answer both questions directly | Two-part question |
Each guide has a practice question, a 40-minute writing editor and a Band 8 model essay.
How Task 2 is marked#
Four criteria, each 25% of your Task 2 score:
- Task Response: Have you answered every part of the question, with a clear position and well-developed ideas?
- Coherence and Cohesion: Is there one main idea per paragraph, logical order and natural linking?
- Lexical Resource: Is your vocabulary precise, varied and appropriate (a heavy burden on taxpayers, not a big problem for people)?
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Do you use a mix of complex structures with few errors?
The most common reason for a Band 6 is Task Response: answering a slightly different question, forgetting one part of it, or never making your opinion clear.
The 4-paragraph structure#
| Paragraph | Purpose | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase the question + your answer or position (thesis) | 2–3 sentences |
| Body 1 | First main idea: topic sentence → explanation → example | 5–7 sentences |
| Body 2 | Second main idea, developed the same way | 5–7 sentences |
| Conclusion | Restate your answer in new words, no new ideas | 2–3 sentences |
Two well-developed body paragraphs score better than three or four short ones. Aim for 260–300 words.
How to plan in 5 minutes#
- Underline the topic and the instruction words. Which essay type is it, and how many parts does the question have?
- Decide your answer or position before you write anything.
- Choose two main ideas and an example for each (from real life, the news or your country).
- Write your thesis, one sentence that answers the question, and make sure every paragraph supports it.
Five minutes of planning saves you from rewriting and keeps the essay focused.
Writing a strong paragraph#
Use the PEEL pattern: Point (topic sentence) → Explain (why or how) → Example (specific, real or realistic) → Link (back to the question). For example: The main reason I support free tuition is that it would give talented young people an equal chance (point). At present, many capable students… (explain). Countries such as Germany… (example).
Common Task 2 mistakes#
- Not answering the exact question: writing about “technology” when the question is about “technology in primary schools”.
- No clear position in opinion questions, or a position that changes in the conclusion.
- Memorised phrases (“In this day and age, it is a burning issue…”). Examiners recognise them and they don’t help your score.
- Too many ideas, not enough development. Two explained ideas beat five listed ones.
- Under 250 words. Count while you practise with the IELTS word counter.
Practise with model essays#
- Start with one of the essay-type guides above.
- Then choose a topic from the Writing Task 2 topics list: every question has a Band 8-style model essay.
- To improve specific skills, see how to plan your essay, use counterarguments, and improve your Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
FAQ#
How many words should a Task 2 essay be?#
At least 250. Most Band 7–8 essays are 260–300 words. Writing much more doesn’t raise your score and increases the risk of mistakes.
Should I write Task 2 first?#
Many candidates do, because it is worth twice as much as Task 1. Either order is fine, but spend about 40 minutes on Task 2.
Can I use “I” in Task 2?#
Yes. When the question asks for your opinion, phrases like I believe and In my view are expected.
How many examples do I need?#
At least one per body paragraph. Examples can come from your own experience, your country or general knowledge, and don’t need statistics.