IELTS Writing Task 2: Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the Task
Question Types
- Opinion Essays
- Do you agree or disagree?
- To what extent do you agree?
- What is your opinion?
- Discussion Essays
- Discuss both views
- What are the advantages and disadvantages?
- Discuss the causes and solutions
- Problem-Solution Essays
- What problems does this cause?
- What solutions can you suggest?
- How can this situation be improved?
- Double Question Essays
- Two-part questions
- Multiple aspects to address
- Combined format questions
Time Management (40 Minutes)
Recommended Breakdown
- Planning (10 minutes)
- Read question carefully (2 min)
- Analyze task type (1 min)
- Brainstorm ideas (4 min)
- Organize outline (3 min)
- Writing (25 minutes)
- Introduction (3 min)
- Body paragraph 1 (8 min)
- Body paragraph 2 (8 min)
- Conclusion (6 min)
- Checking (5 minutes)
- Grammar review
- Vocabulary check
- Coherence check
- Task response review
Essay Structure
Introduction (40-50 words)
- Opening Statement
- Paraphrase the question
- Show understanding of topic
- Thesis Statement
- Clear position/opinion
- Overview of main points
- Essay Outline
- Brief mention of what will follow
- Clear direction for essay
Body Paragraphs (100-120 words each)
- Topic Sentence
- Main idea of paragraph
- Clear connection to thesis
- Supporting Points
- Examples
- Explanations
- Evidence
- Development
- Detailed discussion
- Specific instances
- Clear reasoning
Conclusion (40-50 words)
- Restate Position
- Summarize main points
- Reinforce thesis
- Final Thoughts
- Balanced view
- Future implications
- Call to action
Language Requirements
Grammar Range
- Complex Structures
- Conditionals
- Relative clauses
- Passive voice
- Perfect tenses
- Sentence Variety
- Simple sentences
- Compound sentences
- Complex sentences
- Varying lengths
Vocabulary
- Academic Words
- Formal alternatives
- Subject-specific terms
- Sophisticated expressions
- Cohesive Devices
- Furthermore
- Moreover
- Nevertheless
- However
- Therefore
Common Topics
Society
- Education
- Learning methods
- School systems
- Higher education
- Online learning
- Technology
- Digital innovation
- Social media
- Artificial intelligence
- Internet usage
- Environment
- Climate change
- Pollution
- Conservation
- Renewable energy
Culture
- Traditions
- Cultural preservation
- Modern influences
- Globalization
- Local customs
- Media
- News sources
- Entertainment
- Social influence
- Digital media
Scoring Criteria
Task Response (25%)
- Requirements
- Answer all parts
- Clear position
- Relevant ideas
- Fully developed response
- Common Mistakes
- Off-topic content
- Missed parts of question
- Unclear position
- Underdeveloped ideas
Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
- Organization
- Logical flow
- Clear paragraphing
- Effective linking
- Progressive development
- Linking Devices
- Appropriate use
- Variety
- Natural transitions
- Clear references
Vocabulary (25%)
- Range
- Topic-specific words
- Academic terms
- Precise choices
- Natural collocations
- Accuracy
- Correct usage
- Appropriate context
- Spelling
- Word form
Grammar (25%)
- Range
- Complex structures
- Variety
- Appropriate tenses
- Clear meaning
- Accuracy
- Minimal errors
- Clear communication
- Proper punctuation
- Sentence formation
Sample Answers
Opinion Essay Example
Question: Some people believe that children should be allowed to use mobile phones at school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Introduction:
The use of mobile phones in educational settings has become a contentious issue in recent years. While these devices offer potential learning benefits, I firmly believe that their unrestricted use in schools could be detrimental to students’ education and social development.
Body Paragraph 1:
The primary concern regarding mobile phone use in schools is its potential for distraction. Students may be tempted to check social media, play games, or message friends during lessons, significantly reducing their attention span and engagement with educational content. Moreover, the constant notifications and updates can disrupt not only the individual student’s learning but also that of their classmates.
Body Paragraph 2:
However, a controlled and structured approach to mobile phone use could be beneficial. For instance, phones could be permitted during specific lessons for research purposes or interactive learning activities, under teacher supervision. This balanced approach would help students develop digital literacy skills while maintaining focus on their studies.
Conclusion:
While mobile phones have become integral to modern life, their unrestricted use in schools could compromise educational objectives. A regulated approach, allowing limited usage for educational purposes, would better serve students’ academic and developmental needs.
Writing Tips
Before Writing
- Question Analysis
- Identify key words
- Determine task type
- Plan main points
- Consider examples
- Planning
- Create clear outline
- Organize ideas
- Select evidence
- Structure arguments
During Writing
- Introduction Tips
- Start broadly
- Focus on topic
- Clear thesis
- Preview structure
- Body Paragraph Tips
- Clear topic sentences
- Specific examples
- Detailed explanation
- Smooth transitions
- Conclusion Tips
- Summarize main points
- No new ideas
- Clear position
- Strong ending
After Writing
- Review Process
- Check task response
- Verify coherence
- Review grammar
- Check vocabulary
- Common Errors
- Repeated words
- Missing articles
- Wrong tenses
- Poor punctuation
Practice Strategies
Regular Practice
- Timed Writing
- Weekly essays
- Strict timing
- Various topics
- Self-evaluation
- Skills Development
- Grammar exercises
- Vocabulary building
- Reading academic texts
- Analyzing model answers
Feedback Methods
- Self-Assessment
- Use scoring criteria
- Compare with models
- Track improvements
- Identify weaknesses
- External Review
- Teacher feedback
- Peer review
- Online forums
- Writing groups
Remember: Success in IELTS Writing Task 2 comes from consistent practice, understanding the requirements, and developing strong analytical and writing skills.
