IELTS Writing Task 2

In IELTS Writing Task 2, students are asked to write a formal essay of at least 250 words, in 4-5 paragraphs based on the given writing task 2 essay topics. Students should remember that task 2 holds about 66% of the writing task scores, so it is important to prepare well for it. The task is similar for both Academic and General Training with regards to the type of questions and the scoring, but the topics given for General Training will be slightly easier than Academic.

In this article, you will get to know about the methods of preparation for the IELTS exam and the tips to follow in order to get a good score.

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Assessing elements

You are assessed based on the following four criteria:

• Task response
• Lexical resource
• Coherence and Cohesion
• Grammatical range and accuracy

Task Response

This criterion checks the relevance of your answer.

For example, if the essay topic is:

For task response, your answer should revolve around the health problems caused because of eating meat ( if you are agreeing) .

If the answer is about health problems caused because of leading a sedentary lifestyle, then task response goes for a toss.

Lexical Resource

This criterion checks your vocabulary

For example, if the essay topic is:

Your answer should use complex words in the right context.

For example,

Coherence and Cohesion

This criterion checks how well the essay is organised using a range of linking words.

For example,

For Coherence,

The advantages must be explained in one paragraph and the disadvantages in the other. If mixed up, there is no coherence.

For Cohesion,

The ideas must be linked logically,....

Grammatical range and accuracy

This criterion checks your grammar.

Difference between IELTS General Writing Task 2 and Academic Writing Task 2

• Essays in IELTS Academic will be slightly tougher than in IELTS General.
• The choice of topics will vary between the two. IELTS Academic will have complex topics whereas IELTS General will have comparatively simpler ones.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips (or) IELTS Essay Writing Tips

IELTS writing task 2 is the second part of the two writing tasks and is one of the most challenging parts of the IELTS test. Most students also find it to be more difficult compared to Writing task 1.

What should you know about Writing Task 2? 

• You will be allotted 40 minutes to complete this task.
• The essay should comprise of 4-5 paragraphs including the introduction and conclusion.
• DO NOT compose too many body paragraphs. Around 2-3 body paragraphs would be sufficient.
• Use proper grammar/vocab to convey your ideas or points. (e.g.) Words used to give reasons – because, due to. (or) words used to contradict points – however, but, although.

Plan your essay

1. Identify what is asked in the question.

• Do you have to write for both sides or do you have to choose a side?
• Do you have to provide answers to all the questions?
• Do you have to convey only the advantages and disadvantages or do you have to give an opinion?

2. Brainstorm the main points.

3. Construct your paragraphs.

• Gather your supporting points for your central idea of each paragraph with examples.

4. Check your Task Response

• Check on the number of questions asked. Did you answer it all?
• Were you told to choose a side? Did you choose a side?
• Do all your paragraphs focus on one central topic/idea?
• Do these ideas have supporting points and answers?
• Remember that you aren’t being assessed for your knowledge but your ability to put your thoughts through in an essay using the English Language. Although relevancy is one of the factors you’re assessed upon, it isn’t the only factor. Do not spend too much time on making the content perfect!

IELTS Essay Types

The common types of essays may be based on direct questions, discussions, advantages or disadvantages, solutions, opinions and so on. It may vary from one teacher to another based on how comfortable they are in transferring the knowledge that they have. Each essay type in IELTS Writing task 2 has a dedicated structure.

Opinion Essay

An opinion essay is an essay in which you have to explain the given topic based on the opinion that you have regarding that topic.

How to plan your opinion essay:

• Read the question properly and pick a side/opinion.
• Figure out why you have that opinion.
• Know the reasons behind your opinion and use them as main points.
• List out your supporting reasons + examples.

Example question for an opinion essay:

Discussion Essay

In the discussion essay, the topic along with two opposing statements are given. You are asked to discuss both the opposing statements and give supporting points for both the statements. Do not give your opinion unless it's been asked.

How to plan your discussion essay:

• Read the question properly and understand if you've got to give an opinion.
  • If you don't, think about the main ideas revolving around both the statements.
  • If you do, think about the opinion and the main ideas linking to that opinion.
• Ponder on the supporting points and examples related to the main idea.

Example question for a discussion essay:

Advantage or Disadvantage Essays

In this type of essay, a topic is given and you'll be asked to write for and against that particular topic. Discuss the positive and negative points of the essay topic. However, sometimes you may be asked to state your opinion too. In such cases, you should use another body paragraph to explain your opinion.

How to plan your advantages/disadvantages essay:

• Read the question properly and understand if you've got to give an opinion.
• Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages that you want to write about in your essay.
• Make a list of points supporting each advantage or disadvantage :
• If you're supposed to give an opinion, make sure you have reasons to support your opinions.

Example of an advantages/disadvantages question:

Solution Essays

In solution essays, the topic will be given regarding normal problems or issues people face and you'll be asked to give the solution. Sometimes the question may also be why this particular issue happened and you may be asked to give your opinions based on the issues.

How to plan a problem solution essay:

• Make a list of the problems related to the topic given. 2-3 problems can be taken up.
• The solutions to these problems should be addressed.
• Construct your paragraphs in such a way that the problems are in one paragraph and solutions in the other (or) paragraphs consisting of a problem and solution.

Example of a cause-solution essay:

Direct Question Essays

These essays are slightly difficult when compared to other type of essays, as you won't be given a direct task but some general questions and based on these questions you'll have to answer the essay. You can give different paragraphs for all the general questions.

How to plan a direct question essay:

• Read the questions given.
• Focus on each question separately.
• Figure out an answer for each question separately.
• These answers should have a main point, supporting points to your main point and examples.
• Recheck if all the questions are answered before you begin writing the answer.

Example of a direct question essay:

Now that you have got an idea of how to score well in IELTS Task 2, go ahead and practice the following elements which help you to score the high band in the test.