How to Write IELTS Writing Task 2: Structure, Timing and Assessment

Short answer: In Task 2 you write an essay of at least 250 words, and it is recommended to spend about 40 minutes on it. Task 2 carries more weight in your Writing score than Task 1, so focus most of your preparation here.

Types of Task 2 essays

• Opinion: "Do you agree or disagree?" You state your position clearly and support it.
• Discussion: "Discuss both views and give your opinion." You explain both sides and give your own view.
• Problem–solution: You explain the causes of a problem and propose solutions.
• Advantages–disadvantages: You compare the benefits and drawbacks.
• Two-part question: You answer each of the two questions separately.

The four assessment criteria

1. Task Response: Is the question answered fully and directly, and is your position clear?
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Are the paragraphs logical and the linking words used appropriately?
3. Lexical Resource: Is your vocabulary varied and precise?
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Do you use a range of sentence structures correctly?

A 40-minute time plan

• 5 minutes: Read the question carefully, choose your position and write a short plan.
• 30 minutes: Write the introduction, two body paragraphs and the conclusion.
• 5 minutes: Check grammar, punctuation and word count.

Recommended structure

• Introduction (2–3 sentences): Paraphrase the topic and state your position.
• Body paragraphs 1 and 2: One main idea per paragraph, with explanation and a concrete example.
• Conclusion: Briefly restate your position without adding new ideas.

Mistakes that lower your score

• Not answering part of the question.
• Writing fewer than 250 words.
• Memorised template sentences and "heavy" words that do not fit the topic.
• Introducing a new argument in the conclusion.
• Writing the whole text as one paragraph.

How to prepare

Write at least 2–3 essays a week and have them checked against the criteria. Academic writing habits will also help you at university: see academic writing and referencing.

EDDE Academy

In EDDE Academy's IELTS courses, Writing essays are checked by a teacher against the official criteria. More information and a free consultation: konsultasiya.eddeglobal.az.