In IELTS Writing, Task 2 is worth more than Task 1, so it deserves most of your preparation. You need to write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. The students who score well are not always the ones with the most advanced vocabulary — they are the ones with a clear plan.
Step 1: Spend 5 minutes planning
Read the question twice and underline exactly what it asks. Is it an opinion question, a discussion of both views, advantages and disadvantages, or a problem and solution? Then decide your main idea for each body paragraph before you start writing.
Step 2: Use a four-paragraph structure
- ✓Introduction (2–3 sentences): paraphrase the question and clearly state your position or what the essay will discuss.
- ✓Body paragraph 1: one main idea, explained and supported with an example.
- ✓Body paragraph 2: a second main idea (or the opposing view), explained and supported with an example.
- ✓Conclusion (1–2 sentences): summarise your answer. Do not add new ideas.
Step 3: Answer the whole question
"Task Response" is one of the four marking criteria. If the question asks for your opinion, give it clearly — in the introduction and the conclusion. If it asks about two views, discuss both. Missing part of the question is one of the most common reasons for a lower band.
Step 4: Link your ideas naturally
Use linking words to guide the reader — "however", "as a result", "for example", "on the other hand" — but do not overuse them. Examiners reward clear, logical flow, not a list of memorised connectors.
Step 5: Save 3–5 minutes to check
Check subject-verb agreement, articles (a/an/the), plurals and spelling. Small grammar errors add up across the essay.
The fastest way to improve is feedback. In our IELTS course, teachers mark your essays against the official criteria and show you exactly what to fix.
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