IELTS Task 2 Writing
Everything you need to start

IELTS Writing Task 2 Overview:

Appears in both Academic and General Training versions of IELTS

Requires a formal academic essay

Tests your ability to: explain, argue, and express opinions clearly

Task Response

Fully answer the question with good explanations of your ideas. (We cover this in our courses, which you should take)

Paragraphs

A clear introduction,body 1, body 2 and conclusion. (sometimes there’s a third body)

Grammar

Precise grammar, including the 7 sentence types necessary for Band 7

Vocabulary

A variety of words that express your ideas

Timing

You have 40 minutes to write at least 250 words

Ready to go deeper?

Task 2: Planning techniques

Master the 5 question types

Model Essays

Test Questions


SECTION 2: Why is IELTS Writing Task 2 Important?

Task 2 accounts for 66% of your IELTS Writing score. It is the section that determines whether you achieve Band 6.5 or Band 7+.

  • IELTS Task 2 writing shows whether you can:
  • Express ideas clearly
  • Argue logically
  • Use academic vocabulary effectively

These are essential skills for:

  • University admission
  • Immigration
  • Professional communication

You don’t need perfect English. You need a system for clear, confident writing.


Why templates help you start, but keep you weak.

Don’t suffer through IELTS, learn the proper place for templates, and how to grow beyond them.

SECTION 3: What Do IELTS Examiners Expect in Task 2?

In short? Western thinking structures.

Unsure what they are? Understand them like a top student in our course.

Understanding what examiners look for is often the moment things start to feel more manageable. Once you see how clear the expectations are, you’ll realise you’re closer than you think.

  • Examiners Expect You To:
  • Express your opinion clearly and coherently (learn this word ‘coherent’ it’s useful in all essays. It means ‘ideas fit together logically’.
  • Support ideas with reasons and examples
  • Organise your essay into clear paragraphs
  • Use a range of vocabulary and grammar accurately

You are not expected to be perfect. You are expected to be clear, coherent, and relevant—for example, presenting one main idea per paragraph, supported by real-world examples, and finishing with a sentence that connects clearly to your overall argument.

We teach these skills in the Band 7 Sentence System, step-by-step. You’ll build structure and clarity through guided writing and learn how to meet every part of the IELTS writing band descriptors.

They gave you word lists and tips, but you still need a higher band.

How to Get the IELTS Band Score You Need


SECTION 4: IELTS Writing Task 2 Word Count and Time Limit

Essay Requirements:

Minimum: 250 words

Ideal: 260–280 words

Time: 40 minutes total

Suggested Time Breakdown:

  • 5 minutes: Plan your response
  • 30 minutes: Write your essay
  • 5 minutes: Check grammar, vocabulary, and structure

We show you how to manage time using proven strategies and IELTS task 2 time management tips.


SECTION 5: How Long Does It Take to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score?

Most students improve 1 full band in 4–6 weeks when they:

Follow a structure

Practice consistently

Receive feedback from an expert

Inside the IELTS Insider Writing Course, you get:

  • Weekly writing tasks with feedback
  • 45-minute 1:1 support sessions
  • A customised roadmap based on your writing

Learn to write a task 2 essay


SECTION 6: IELTS Task 2 Essay Question Types

There are 5 main IELTS Writing Task 2 question types:

  1. Opinion Essay – Do you agree or disagree?
  2. Discussion Essay – Discuss both views
  3. Problem/Solution Essay
  4. Advantages/Disadvantages Essay
  5. Double Question Essay – e.g., Why + opinion

Each requires a specific structure. We cover all of them in our Essay Type Masterclass Series, part of the IELTS academic writing practice modules.

Learn about all IELTS Question Types


SECTION 7: Am I Good Enough for IELTS Writing?

This question sits quietly in many students’ minds. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re cut out for this — you’re not alone.

The good news? You absolutely are.

We’ve helped Band 5 and Band 6 students reach Band 7 and beyond by focusing on:

  • Confidence
  • Structure
  • Expert feedback

“You don’t need talent. You need training. Let’s build your writing brain.”

If you’re stuck at Band 6.5, explore our breakdown of why your IELTS writing is stuck at 6.5 — and how to fix it.


SECTION 8: How Much Vocabulary Do You Need for IELTS Writing Task 2?

You need two categories:

  • Academic vocabulary — e.g., implement, justify, significant
  • Topic-specific vocabulary — e.g., education, technology, health

But more than just words, you need precision in usage.

Our Precision Pairing Method links:

  • Grammar
  • Tone
  • Meaning

Inside the course, you’ll get:

  • 5 sentence frames for Band 7 vocabulary
  • IELTS vocabulary by topic
  • Sentence transformation exercises
  • The top IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary list

SECTION 9: Most Common IELTS Task 2 Topics

Here are the top 10 IELTS writing topics:

  1. Education
  2. Technology
  3. Environment
  4. Government
  5. Health
  6. Crime
  7. Work
  8. Culture
  9. Globalisation
  10. Media

Each topic is used regularly in IELTS writing task 2 questions.

In our system, each topic includes:

  • Vocabulary
  • 3 sample questions
  • A model Band 7+ essay

You can explore each topic in full through our internal topic pages.


SECTION 10: How Long Does It Take to Master a Topic?

With the right materials: 1–2 focused sessions per topic.

Each topic pack provides:

  • Vocabulary
  • Grammar frames
  • Sample essays
  • Practice questions

“You don’t need to memorise topics. You need to think clearly about them.”


SECTION 11: Are There IELTS Writing Shortcuts?

Yes — but only if you understand this:

“The shortcut is not skipping work. It’s skipping confusion.”

3 Smart Shortcuts:

  1. Use adaptable sentence frameworks
  2. Get feedback every 3 essays
  3. Follow a structured writing system

Many students waste time memorising templates. Our system teaches flexible frameworks that you can apply to any question.

Try the Free IELTS Writing Course, or unlock faster results inside the full Band 7 system.


SECTION 12: What Does a Good IELTS Essay Look Like?

Sample Essay: Band 7 Opinion Essay

Question: Some people think governments should invest in public transport. Do you agree?

Introduction:
Public transport systems are essential in modern cities. I strongly agree that governments should invest more in public transport to reduce pollution and improve accessibility.

Body Paragraph 1:
One reason is the environmental benefit. Public transport reduces the number of private vehicles on the road. For example, cities with metro systems have significantly lower emissions.

Body Paragraph 2:
Another reason is equity. Public systems allow people from all backgrounds to travel. This reduces social inequality.

Conclusion:
Therefore, investing in public transport brings environmental and social benefits, and governments should prioritise it.

Learn this format inside our 7-Sentence Band 7 Writing System and explore more IELTS writing task 2 essay samples.


SECTION 13: IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors (How It’s Marked)

Examiners assess your essay using 4 criteria:

  1. Task Response — Did you answer the question completely?
  2. Coherence & Cohesion — Is your essay logically structured?
  3. Lexical Resource — Do you use a wide range of vocabulary accurately?
  4. Grammatical Range & Accuracy — Are your sentences correct and varied?

Inside the course, we break these down with:

  • Band 6 vs Band 7 example essays
  • Detailed score breakdowns
  • Personalised feedback

Try a 45-minute 1:1 feedback session to understand your current band.


SECTION 14: What If I Get Stuck While Writing?

It happens — to everyone. Even strong writers hit moments of doubt or confusion. What matters isn’t avoiding those moments, but knowing you have support when they come.

Support Options:

  • Submit your essay for feedback anytime
  • Book a 1:1 writing help session
  • Ask in our private student group

This is more than a course. It’s a system with support, strategy, and results.

“They give you tips. We give you training.”


Final Note: Start Your IELTS Writing Success Path

Start now with our Free IELTS Writing Foundation Course. Begin today and get your first essay reviewed within 48 hours.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Build confidence
  • Understand structure
  • Write with clarity and control

Then move into the full course with:

  • 7-Sentence Writing System
  • Topic Masterclasses
  • Weekly feedback
  • 1:1 sessions when you need them

You set the goal. We clear the path.

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