What Is Task 2?
Task 2 is the second part of the IELTS Academic Writing module. You will be given a question and asked to write an essay of at least 250 words in 40 minutes. The essay is judged on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy.
Typical Essay Structure
A clear structure helps the examiner follow your argument and improves your score for Coherence & Cohesion.
- Introduction ( 4050 words) paraphrase the question, state your position (if required) and outline the main points.
- Body Paragraph 1 ( 80100 words) present the first main idea, support it with reasons, examples, or evidence, and finish with a linking sentence.
- Body Paragraph 2 ( 80100 words) discuss the second idea in the same way.
- Conclusion ( 4050 words) summarise the key points and restate your position.
Example Outline
Question: Some people think that governments should invest more in public transport, while others believe that funding should go to road construction. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Intro: Paraphrase the statement, mention both views, state that you support public transport.
Body 1: Benefits of public transport reduces congestion, lowers emissions, affordable for lowincome groups.
Body 2: Arguments for road construction supports economic growth, meets current demand, creates jobs.
Conclusion: Restate support for public transport and briefly recap reasons.
Question: Some people think that governments should invest more in public transport, while others believe that funding should go to road construction. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Intro: Paraphrase the statement, mention both views, state that you support public transport.
Body 1: Benefits of public transport reduces congestion, lowers emissions, affordable for lowincome groups.
Body 2: Arguments for road construction supports economic growth, meets current demand, creates jobs.
Conclusion: Restate support for public transport and briefly recap reasons.
Common Essay Types
Task 2 questions fall into four major categories. Identify the type quickly so you can follow the right approach.
- Opinion (Agree/Disagree) You must give a clear stance and support it throughout.
- Discussion Present both sides of the argument and then give your own view.
- ProblemSolution Identify problems, propose realistic solutions, and possibly evaluate them.
- AdvantagesDisadvantages Discuss the pros and cons, then give a balanced conclusion or a personal judgment.
Effective Planning in 5 Minutes
- Read the question twice. Highlight keywords (e.g., to what extent, bothand).
- Decide the essay type. This determines the structure youll use.
- Brainstorm ideas. Write 23 points for each side or each paragraph.
- Choose supporting examples. Prefer personal experience, academic facts, or widely known statistics.
- Outline. Jot down one line per paragraph this becomes your roadmap.
Quick Tip: Use a simple template. For example, for an Opinion essay:
Intro Opinion Reason1 Example Reason2 Example Counterargument (optional) Refutation Conclusion.
Intro Opinion Reason1 Example Reason2 Example Counterargument (optional) Refutation Conclusion.
Language to Boost Your Score
Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range are often the most challenging criteria.
Linking Devices
Use a variety of connectors to show relationships:
- Adding: furthermore, moreover, in addition
- Contrast: however, on the other hand, nevertheless
- Result: therefore, as a result, consequently
- Examples: for instance, such as, namely
Complex Sentences
Combine ideas using subordinate clauses:
Although many people claim that road expansion solves traffic problems, researchshows that it often leads to increased vehicle usage.
Academic Vocabulary
Replace informal words with precise alternatives:
| big substantial, considerable |
| help facilitate, aid |
| bad detrimental, adverse |
Top Tips for a High Band Score
- Answer the question fully every part of the prompt must be addressed.
- Stay within 250300 words. Writing far beyond this can waste time and increase error risk.
- Proofread in the last 34 minutes. Look for subjectverb agreement, article usage, and punctuation.
- Vary sentence length. Mix short, clear statements with longer, more complex ones.
- Practice with timed mock tests to build stamina and pacing.
Common Mistake
Wrong: People think that the government should spend money on building more roads because it will help the economy.
Better: Many argue that allocating funds to road construction will boost the economy by improving logistics and creating employment opportunities.
Wrong: People think that the government should spend money on building more roads because it will help the economy.
Better: Many argue that allocating funds to road construction will boost the economy by improving logistics and creating employment opportunities.
