IELTS Podcast

IELTS Writing Task 2

Free IELTS tutorials and Tips to succeed

If you are prepared, there is no reason to fear writing Task 2 of the IELTS exam. The writing task is split into 2 parts and Task 2 is worth 66%. So, you should allocate 40 minutes to writing it. It must contain at least 250 words so waste no time, concentrate and focus on the task at hand.

The academic task 2 will require you to write a formal essay. The most common questions are advantage/disadvantage, opinion essays, direct questions and point of view discussions.

For the general task 2 writing exam questions are the same as for academic IELTS, however, these topic questions are often simpler.  The structure of your essay will be the same and the scoring is done the same as for the academic test.

IELTS Mark allocation

The marks are allocated as follows for the IELTS Writing Task 2;

  • 25% for task response
  • 25% for vocabulary
  • 25% for grammar
  • 25% for coherence and cohesion.

It goes without saying, that to do well in task 2 you should avoid making silly grammatical errors and you must ensure that you demonstrate your vocabulary and command of the English language. Writing Task 2 of the IELTS test is really all about the method.

IELTS Writing Task 2 questions

The questions for IELTS Writing Task 2 are fairly general and could cover a wide range of topics. This is a formal essay and will take one of the following forms: give your opinion, discussions, advantages/disadvantages or provide solutions to problems. You can’t prepare the essay ahead of time, but you can prepare for the exam by using a system in the exam room and by practicing ahead of the exam.

Make sure that you read and understand the question and that you answer it in its entirety. Identify what type of question it is and then underline the keywords and instructions. Keep referring back to the question.

Take a look at some sample writing task 2 questions here.

We have free IELTS sample task 2 topics on various subjects that will help you practice and improve your IELTS vocabulary before the exam:

IELTS Task 2 essay structure

  1. Structure your writing task 2 essay well. Remember you should write at least 250words. Ensure that each idea and opinion is expressed in its own paragraph. There are no right or wrong answers in the IELTS exam so don’t be afraid to present your views. You can argue from any viewpoint.
  2. It is also a good idea to examine the opposing point of view. Remember that this is a test of your vocabulary and your ability to write fluently in English. It is not a test of your opinion or your world knowledge.
  3. A good IELTS essay has a clear introduction which should give the examiner an idea of what the rest of the essay is about. Make sure to paraphrase the question in the introduction. It is a good way to show off your vocabulary.
  4. The essay must also have a clear conclusion which should summarise the text and connect back to the question.

Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2

  • Be sure to Understand the question: A lot of students rush into writing the essay before they completely understand the question. It is important to identify the main keywords and understand what is expected from you in the essay
  • Plan your ideas for the essay before you start: It is important to map out your ideas before you start writing your essay. It will save you time and your essay will be more structured.
  • Get to know the questions asked in Task 2: When you're preparing for the exam, it is important to practice using common topics used in the task 2 test. This will help you think of different ideas and help you expand your vocabulary. It is also important to listen to podcasts, read newspapers and watch TV in English to expand your knowledge and vocabulary.
  • Manage your time: Time is very important, remember that you should only spend about 40 minutes on Task 2. Practice your time management skills before the exam.
  • Improve your vocabulary: Your vocabulary accounts for 25% of your final score so it is very important to improve your vocabulary before your exam. Examiners want to see that you can use a variety of vocabulary in your essay. Focus on learning some new vocabulary and phrases to improve your score.
  • Use paragraphs in your essay: A general rule to work on is to have one paragraph for one idea.  Explain each idea in detail with relevant examples in one paragraph. Then, start another paragraph with a new idea.
  • Take a look at our Band 9 checklist for your essay here.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Preparation

Before the exam, practice and get as much feedback as you can. Learn from your mistakes and you’re sure to write a winning essay.

Here are some useful tutorials to help you prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2:

Different IELTS Essay Structures

Sample Essay Plans

Tutorials and Tips to Prepare for Task 2

For a FREE Ebook of our Top 10 Sample Essays, click here!

VIDEO: 35 IELTS Writing Phrases for Task 2 (copy paste!)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

How can I practice IELTS writing task 2?

  • One of the best ways to practice for IELTS writing task 2 is to find resources that provide sample questions and answers. Check out our sample task 2 questions page for practice, as well as tips and strategies for tackling the IELTS writing task 2.
  • Additionally, there are a number of IELTS prep books that can provide helpful information and practice questions.
  • Finally, taking an IELTS prep course can also be beneficial, as it will provide guidance and feedback from instructors.

What is the ideal format for IELTS writing task 2?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the ideal format for IELTS writing task 2 will vary depending on the prompt and the type of essay you are being asked to write. However, there are some general tips that can help you to format your essay in a way that will be both easy to read and concise.

Here are some quick and easy tips for formatting your IELTS writing task 2 essay:

  • Start with a clear introduction that states your main argument.
  • Organize your body paragraphs around distinct points, each of which should be developed in a separate paragraph.
  • Use specific examples and evidence to support your points.
  • Conclude your essay with a clear conclusion that restates your main argument.

How do I write the IELTS Task 2 for 7 bands?

To score high in IELTS Writing Task 2, your essay must be well-structured and logical. This means that it should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on just one main idea, and you should use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas together.

When it comes to vocabulary, using a variety of different words and phrases will impress the IELTS examiner and demonstrate your level of English.

Can I write 500 words in IELTS Writing Task 2?

The answer to this question is yes, you can write 500 words in IELTS Writing Task 2. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to do so successfully.

  • First of all, you need to make sure that your essay is well-organized and has a clear structure. This means that you should have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each of these sections should be around 100-200 words.
  • Secondly, you need to make sure that your essay flows well. This means that your ideas should be logically connected and that your writing is easy to follow.
  • Finally, you need to make sure that you use a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary. This will show the examiner that you have a good command of the English language and that you are able to express yourself clearly.

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