IELTS Writing Task 2 is an Essay Writing in IELTS Academic and IELTS General. The IELTS Academic is based on any academic topic or research, for instance education system, space exploration, technology etc. Essay writing has to be the combination of simple, compound and complex sentences. Total time provided for writing task is ONE hour and maximum time i.e. 40 minutes has to be spent on ESSAY WRITING. The test taker has to write at least 250 words for the given topic which based on opinion of the test taker, argument, problem and solution or advantages and disadvantages. Writing task 2 is considered to be the most important has it contributes to the two-third of the total scoring in Writing Module.  The essay writing is evaluated based on FOUR parameters:  

• Task achievement
• Coherence and cohesion
• Lexical resource
• Grammatical range and accuracy

Importance of IELTS Writing Task 2

There are certain things which are to be kept in mind why planning the IELTS writing task 2 as it not only assesses your critical thinking but also focuses on the organization of the ideas logically, and strong command of grammar and vocabulary is also required in writing.

Important Information for IELTS Writing Task 2 

• Test Takers should give a response to the given statement of the essay.
• At least 250 words are to be written for the given statement.
• Writing Task 2 scoring covers two-thirds of the marking of the Writing Module. 
• Academic Writing Task 2 presents a formal argument, discusses the complex issues and is based on the topics related to global challenges, scientific challenges or any social changes.

Understanding IELTS Writing Task Format 

Here are the requirements for IELTS writing task 2:

IELTS Writing Task Description 

IELTS writing task 2 statements will be presenting agree/disagree, discuss both opinions, your opinion, problems and solutions, causes and advantages and disadvantages, total time allocated is 40 minutes to complete writing task 2, which includes planning, writing, and proofreading the written task. 

Structure of IELTS Writing Task 2

The test takers should divide the task into 4-5 paragraphs.

• Introduction – The first paragraph is the introduction to the given topic which rephrases the given statement and has the idea of what will be elaborated in the body paragraphs of the essay. The introduction gives the idea to the examiner that what the test taker will explain in further paragraphs.
• Supporting Paragraphs – The supporting paragraphs will elaborate the opinion of the test taker and even relevant example will be added wherever required. The body paragraph to be written here are two to three.
• Conclusion - In this section, the view written in the body paragraph are summarized in 2-3 sentences.

Types of IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions 

There are FIVE types of essays and the test taker taker can get one of these in the exam.

Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

The statement asks the test takers to either give the advantages and disadvantages of the given statement or the essay may ask you to compare the advantages and disadvantages in which the student is asked whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Topic: Some experts argue that the children should learning a foreign language at primary schools will be more beneficial compared rather than starting it at secondary schools.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Opinion Essay

Opinion Essay is based on the test taker’s opinion, in this type of essay the student has to be very clear and has to provide proper reasons and examples to support the option they have selected.  If the statement is do you agree or disagree then the student has to select one option and have the +points in favor of it but if it is to what extent do you agree or disagree then it’s up to the student that which approach he would like take, is it fully agree or disagree or partially. The reasoning of whatever the option has been selected be clear and properly defined.

Topic:  More people these days are learning new language to make their resume strong and have a bright chance to get a better job opportunity either in their native country or having better opportunities to work abroad. To what extent do you agree with this point of view? Give specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Discussion Essay

Topic: Some people argue that governments should have highly updated sports facilities for professional athletes whereas others believe that such facilities should not only be restricted to professional, these should be provided to everyone. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

In such statements both the opinions are to be discussed based on the perspective of both the parties and in the end the view of the student is also required which has to be supported by reasons and evidence.

Problem/Solution Essay

Topic:  The people of many countries are suffering from stress at their workplace which is increasing day by day. What do you think are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to tackle it?

In this type of essay 2-3 problems associated with the statement are to be provided with the supportive example and in the next paragraph the measures are to be explained. While brainstorming the topic, try to identify 3-4 problems and suggest some practical measures to be taken.

Direct Question Essay

Sometimes a direct answer to the question is asked, and it has to be answered in sequence with some supportive examples.

Topic: What skills do you think are essential for success in the modern workplace? Why are these skills important?

Get ready with the plan of the IELTS Writing Essay 

If you are targeting high score in IELTS Writing then it would only be possible if you are well-planned what to write about the given topic. When your ideas are organized logically and covers all the required points along with an example then of course you score high. When the test taker plans is essay, does brain storming then he is able to use right lexical resources and vocabulary and doesn’t miss any important point and not even repeat the ideas. The well-planned essay saves time and leaves few minutes to revise and rectify any mistake if exists.

Brainstorm the ideas based on the given statement:

Brainstorming plays a crucial role in planning and executing the essay. Here is some vital information about brainstorming for IELTS Writing Task 2:

·         Analyse the Given Statement: Read the statement carefully and identify all the main and micro keywords. Highlight important words so that the relevant points are covered in the essay.

·         Create a Mind Map: Let's start with a big circle in the center of this IELTS Writing Task 2 topic with subheadings, arguments, etc.

·         List pros and cons: In advantage/disadvantage essays, outline the pros and cons of the topic to see the pivotal arguments.

·         Outline arguments on both sides: In a discussion essay, brainstorm points on both sides. This encourages you to take a balanced approach and will help you formulate a well-reasoned opinion.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is guarantees success if the right approach is used to answer the given statement. The are some important tips which should not be ignored by the test takers and should be carefully followed in the topic: 

• Word Limit: at least 250 words are required to explain the given topic, there is no upper limit but still the students are recommended to write 280 to 290 words as the time provided is 40 minutes only, no extra time is provided. Time management and word limit both are crucial. 5 minutes should be used for brain storming and planning, 30 minutes to write and 5 minutes to revise essay for mistakes and correct them wherever required. If the student has not fulfilled the requirement of task achievement and has written below the given word limit then he might be penalized in scoring. 
• Rephrase the given statement in the introduction, keep the introduction specific which covers the main topic introduction and the thesis statement in which the brief about the test taker’s views is provided. The examiner must be able to understand from the introduction that which area of the essay the test taker is going to cover. Finally, in the last the conclusion has to be covered which will cover the brief of what has been discussed in the body paragraphs.
• Vocabulary used in the essay plays a vital role. It is not easy to remember the whole dictionary. When the test taker practices, he should make the list of important words. The student should work on Academic and Technical vocabulary words and even be familiar with collocation. The student should practice reading articles based on different topics and note down the important words and practice making sentence on those vocabulary words which will help you a lot in making your task better.
• Understand the Question: Read the question twice and thrice, once the statement is understood, you know what to write and what example is to be provided.  The given question should cover the requirement of the given statement with proper vocabulary and lexical resources with linking words.
• Planning: You should spend at least 5 minutes to analyse the question and plan the writing.
• Read the statement carefully and according make points on it, have at least 3 points for that you can divide the explanation in 2-3 paragraphs. Answer all the given parts of the question one by one. Do not mix them.
• The first part of the body paragraph should cover the important point of the given topic along with the relevant example as that makes your essay more impressive
• Use connectors for task 2 of the IELTS writing section or linking phrases to carefully organize all the ideas from the introduction to the conclusion. Put the ideas, opinions, and arguments in the right order. 
• Task 2 must be written as a formal essay. Use the proper structure, tone, and style. The passive voice must be used wherever necessary to give it a formal and objective sound.
• Maintain grammatical precision consistently across the essay. Prevent both minor and major mistakes by diligently adhering to established grammar principles.

A strong vocabulary and the use of appropriate phrases are vital for attaining a high band score in the IELTS writing task 2.  A compiled list of effective linking words, common phrases, and academic vocabulary is given below.

Linking Words, often referred to as transition words or connectives, play a crucial role in establishing a smooth flow between your ideas and ensuring a logical progression throughout your essay. Here are some categories of linking words to consider:

·         Sequencing: firstly, secondly, subsequently, furthermore, finally

·         Cause and Effect: because, therefore, consequently, hence, as a result

·         Contrast: however, whereas, conversely, on the other hand, in contrast, although

·         Examples: For instance, for example, specifically, such as

·         Conclusion: in conclusion, to summarize, overall, in summary

Academic and Technical Vocabulary

Academic vocabulary is crucial in IELTS essays as it helps to enhance clarity, accuracy, and style which are all essential to achieve a high band score. Using complex vocabulary demonstrates the capacity of the test taker to express himself clearly on the topic and use the formal tone appropriate to Task 2. So, instead of writing, "Many think that technology is bad for society," you can opt for something like, "A good proportion of people assert that technological progress has negative connotations for society." This enhances the lexical resource and depicts the smoothness of the ideas explored. Proper use of academic vocabulary may significantly affect coherence and overall impression.

Moreover, technical vocabulary holds an essential significance in IELTS essays, more so when responding to issues relating to particular disciplines such as technology, environment, education, and health. Accurate technical language in appropriate context represents a more effective knowledge base about the issue at hand along with increasing clarity of one's argumentation. For example, when one is writing an essay on climate change, use the terms "carbon emissions," "renewable energy," or "sustainable practices" in the essay instead of using vague terms like "pollution" or "energy sources." One would use "artificial intelligence," "automation," or "data privacy" when discussing technology.
Technical vocabulary needs to be balanced with general academic vocabulary to maintain readability and coherency.

 

Common phrases used in different essays:

There are some common phrases which are used in different essays to take an effective approach.

Discussion essays: 

• On one hand 
• Proponents believe that
• Some people are of the opinion
• People in the favour of the argument believe
• However, the opponents
• People who are not in the favour of the argument opine that
• On the other hand

Advantage/disadvantage essays: 

• The main advantage of the given topic is
• However, a significant disadvantage is
• One of the main advantages 
• The benefits of the given topic are the crucial one
• Overall, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages
• Despite the disadvantage of the given statement, the advantages

Problem/Solution essays: 

• The main problem associated with
• The significant challenge
• A possible solution to the given issue can be 
• It is essential to address the problem
• The root cause of the given issue is
• The higher authorities can get the solution to the given
• To address the issue effectively certain steps are to be taken keeping in mind

Direct question essays: 

• As per my perspective
• Firstly, I believe that
• The most preponderant reason can be
• Moreover, it is important to consider 
• One example of this is 
• In conclusion, the given statement 

Grammar and Sentence Structure

Grammar and the sentence structure play a crucial role and there are few important facts which cannot be ignored while framing the entire essay.

Band Descriptors:
The IELTS Writing Band Descriptors award 25% of the score to Grammatical Range and Accuracy. This means the correct use of sentence structure, appropriate tenses, and usage of various kinds of sentences.

Accuracy and Clarity
Proper grammar ensures that your ideas are expressed clearly and logically. Errors can confuse the reader and distort your intended meaning and you may lose the score in your essay, the readability of the task has to maintained.

Complex Sentence Structures:
The test takers must use complex sentence rather than focusing on only simple sentence as this demonstrates that the test taker has a good knowledge of grammar and can easily use simple, complex and compound sentences.

A simple sentence possesses a subject and a predicate. That is to say, that is merely one independent clause. It may also appear as the coordination of a phrase with a clause.

A compound sentence is the one with two or more independent clauses. It should have at least two major clauses. They can be connected either by a coordinating conjunction or a conjunctive adverb; however, a complex sentence must have a main clause and a subordinate clause. The two clauses can be combined with a subordinating conjunction or a correlative conjunction.