IELTS Writing Task 2: Structure, Band Scores & Templates

Why IELTS Writing Task 2 Matters

IELTS Writing Task 2 counts for two-thirds of your total Writing score, making it the single most important task in the writing module. Unlike Task 1, which asks you to describe data or a process, Task 2 requires you to write a formal essay of at least 250 words in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. Examiners assess your response against four official band descriptors, and understanding these criteria is the fastest way to raise your score.

The Four Band Descriptors Explained

Every Task 2 essay is graded equally across four criteria, each worth 25% of your final band:

• Task Response – Does your essay fully address all parts of the question with a clear position and relevant, developed ideas?

• Coherence and Cohesion – Is your essay logically organised into paragraphs, with clear progression and appropriate linking words (however, therefore, in addition)?

• Lexical Resource – Do you use a wide range of vocabulary accurately, including topic-specific words and less common phrases?

• Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Do you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with few errors?

A weakness in just one category can cap your overall band, so balanced preparation across all four areas is essential.

The Winning Four-Paragraph Structure

Most high-scoring essays follow a simple, reliable structure:

1. Introduction (2–3 sentences)

• Paraphrase the question using synonyms (never copy it word-for-word)

• State your thesis or overall position clearly

2. Body Paragraph 1 (4–5 sentences)

• Topic sentence stating your first main idea

• Explanation of the idea

• A specific example or evidence

• A concluding or linking sentence

3. Body Paragraph 2 (4–5 sentences)

• Same structure as above, presenting a second distinct idea

4. Conclusion (2–3 sentences)

• Summarise your main points

• Restate your position without introducing new information

This structure works for opinion essays, discussion essays, problem-solution essays, and advantage-disadvantage essays with only minor adjustments to the body paragraphs.

Essay Templates by Question Type

### Opinion Essay ("To what extent do you agree?")

• Introduction: Paraphrase + clear opinion

• Body 1: Strongest reason supporting your view + example

• Body 2: Second reason supporting your view + example

• Conclusion: Restate opinion, summarise reasons

### Discussion Essay ("Discuss both views")

• Introduction: Paraphrase + mention both views + your opinion

• Body 1: Discuss view A with explanation and example

• Body 2: Discuss view B with explanation and example

• Conclusion: State which view you find more convincing

### Problem-Solution Essay

• Introduction: Paraphrase + outline that problems and solutions will be discussed

• Body 1: Describe the main problems with examples

• Body 2: Suggest practical solutions to those problems

• Conclusion: Summarise problems and solutions briefly

### Advantages-Disadvantages Essay

• Introduction: Paraphrase + state that both sides will be examined

• Body 1: Key advantages with explanation

• Body 2: Key disadvantages with explanation

• Conclusion: Weigh up both sides and give a final view if asked

Useful Linking Phrases for Cohesion

• Adding ideas: furthermore, in addition, moreover

• Contrasting ideas: on the other hand, however, whereas

• Giving examples: for instance, a clear example of this is

• Concluding: in conclusion, to sum up, overall

Avoid overusing the same connector—variety demonstrates lexical range.

Common Mistakes That Lower Your Band

• Writing under 250 words, which triggers an automatic penalty

• Memorising entire essays, which examiners can easily detect and penalise under Task Response

• Ignoring part of the question (e.g., not discussing both views when asked)

• Using overly informal language or contractions (don't, can't)

• Repeating the same vocabulary instead of using synonyms

• Writing one-sided answers when the question asks for balance

Quick Study Tips

• Practice planning for 3–4 minutes before writing to organise ideas logically

• Time yourself: aim to complete Task 2 in 40 minutes, leaving time to proofread

• Read model answers from official Cambridge IELTS books to learn natural academic phrasing

• Keep a vocabulary journal organised by topic (environment, education, technology, health)

• Practice writing conclusions that don't simply repeat the introduction word-for-word

Short Quiz: Test Your Understanding

1. How many body paragraphs does a standard Task 2 essay typically have?

2. Name the four official band descriptors used to grade Task 2.

3. True or False: You should copy the essay question directly into your introduction.

4. In a "discuss both views" essay, should you only argue for one side?

5. What is the minimum word count for IELTS Writing Task 2?

Answers: 1) Two; 2) Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy; 3) False—always paraphrase; 4) No, you must discuss both views, though you may still give your own opinion; 5) 250 words.

By internalising these structures and practising regularly with timed essays, you can build the confidence and consistency needed to achieve a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.