IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay)

Level: B2. Task 2 is the essay, and it is the bigger prize in IELTS Writing. You are given a view, an argument or a problem and you write a clear, organised response that takes a position. This page breaks down the question types, the marking, a dependable plan and a full sample essay, then links the course pages that build each skill.

By the end of this page you can…

…spot which of the four question types you have, plan a four-paragraph essay, use the language of opinion and linking accurately, and give yourself time to check your work.

IELTS Writing Task 2 at a glance

The Writing paper is 60 minutes for two tasks, both of which you must complete (IELTS). Task 2 is the larger job:

Because Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score (IELTS), always protect your 40 minutes for it — even if Task 1 is unfinished.

The four common question types

The prompt always tells you exactly what to do. Read it twice and match it to one of these:

• Opinion (agree/disagree): a statement, then To what extent do you agree or disagree? Take a clear stance and defend it.
• Discussion (both views): Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Cover each side fairly, then state your position.
• Problem and solution: a situation, then What are the causes/problems and what solutions do you suggest?
• Two-part (direct questions): two linked questions you must answer in turn.

How the four marking criteria work

An examiner marks each task on four criteria, weighted equally (IELTS):

A dependable four-paragraph plan

1. Introduction — paraphrase the statement, then state your position or what the essay will cover.
2. Main paragraph 1 — your first reason, explained, with an example.
3. Main paragraph 2 — your second reason (or the other side), explained, with an example.
4. Conclusion — restate your position in new words; add nothing new.

One well-developed idea per paragraph beats three half-finished ones. Lead each main paragraph with a clear topic sentence, then support it.

Useful language for Task 2

A sample Task 2 answer

This essay answers both views, gives a clear position, develops each idea with a reason and an example, and closes without new information.

Example sentences

Press play and copy the rhythm. These are flexible lines you can adapt to almost any essay.

1. This essay will discuss both views before giving my own opinion.
   A thesis line for a discussion essay.
2. In my view, the benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks.
   Stating a clear position.
3. On the one hand, supporters argue that it saves money.
   Introducing the first side fairly.
4. On the other hand, there are serious risks to consider.
   Introducing the opposing side.
5. This is mainly because people have less free time than before.
   Adding a reason with 'because'.
6. For instance, many cities have reduced traffic by adding cycle lanes.
   Supporting a point with an example.
7. As a result, pollution levels in those areas have fallen.
   Showing a result.
8. However, this solution is not suitable for every country.
   Adding a contrast or limit.
9. Governments tend to focus on short-term results.
   Softening a general claim with 'tend to'.
10. It could be argued that education is the better long-term answer.
    A cautious, academic way to make a claim.
11. A further advantage is that it creates local jobs.
    Adding a second supporting point.
12. In conclusion, the advantages of this approach are greater.
    Opening a conclusion.
13. Overall, I believe stronger regulation is the best way forward.
    Restating the position in new words.
14. While I accept this point, I still think the risks are too high.
    Conceding, then holding your position.

Quick recap before you practise.

How to say it

A few essay words are easy to mispronounce — copy the stress.

• argument is AR-gyoo-ment, stress on the first beat (no e sound in the middle).
• opinion is uh-PIN-yun, stress on the second beat.
• consequently is KON-si-kwent-lee, stress on the first beat.
• beneficial is ben-uh-FISH-uhl, stress on the third beat.

Usage notes

• State a position, even in a discussion essay. Discuss both views and give your own opinion means you must still say what you think.
• Keep it formal. Avoid contractions, slang and etc.; prefer full forms and precise words.
• One idea per paragraph. Depth beats a list of thin points.
• Examples can be general. You do not need real statistics; a clear, plausible example is enough — invented numbers are risky.

Practice

Practice

Task 2 practice

Try each one, then press Check. No sign-up, nothing is sent anywhere — it all runs in your browser.

1 About how long should you spend on Task 2?

About 10 minutes About 20 minutes About 40 minutes The full hour

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About 40 minutes — Spend about 40 minutes on Task 2 and about 20 on Task 1.

2 A prompt ends 'Discuss both views and give your own opinion.' You should…

Only give your opinion Cover each side and then state your position Describe a graph List problems and solutions

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Cover each side and then state your position — A discussion essay covers both views and still gives your own position.

3 Task 2 must be at least ____ words. (number)

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Hint: the minimum length

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250 — The minimum for Task 2 is 250 words.

4 Match each question type to what it asks.

• Opinion Match for Opinion — choose — agree or disagreeanswer two linked questionsboth views plus your opinioncauses and solutions
• Discussion Match for Discussion — choose — agree or disagreeanswer two linked questionsboth views plus your opinioncauses and solutions
• Problem-solution Match for Problem-solution — choose — agree or disagreeanswer two linked questionsboth views plus your opinioncauses and solutions
• Two-part Match for Two-part — choose — agree or disagreeanswer two linked questionsboth views plus your opinioncauses and solutions

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• Opinion → agree or disagree
• Discussion → both views plus your opinion
• Problem-solution → causes and solutions
• Two-part → answer two linked questions

Identify the type from the instruction words before you plan.

5 Put a four-paragraph essay plan in order.

Main paragraph 2IntroductionConclusionMain paragraph 1

CheckReset

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Introduction Main paragraph 1 Main paragraph 2 Conclusion — Introduce, develop two main ideas, then conclude.

6 Add a contrast: 'Many people drive to work. ____, cycling is growing.' (one word)

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Hint: a formal linking word for contrast

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However — However and Nevertheless both signal a contrast in formal writing.

Quiz

Check yourself

Task 2 quiz

12 questions · pick an answer and you'll see straight away if it's right.

0/12 0 answered

1. 1What is IELTS Writing Task 2?

   A A letter B A description of a graph C An essay responding to a view, argument or problem D A spoken interview
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   An essay responding to a view, argument or problem — Task 2 is an essay in which you discuss a prompt and give your position.

2. 2How long is the whole Writing paper?

   A 40 minutes B 60 minutes C 90 minutes D 120 minutes
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   60 minutes — The Writing paper lasts 60 minutes for both tasks.

3. 3What is the minimum word count for Task 2?

   A 150 words B 200 words C 250 words D 400 words
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   250 words — You must write at least 250 words in Task 2.

4. 4How does Task 2 weigh against Task 1?

   A They are equal B Task 2 is worth half C Task 2 is worth twice as much D Task 1 is worth more
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   Task 2 is worth twice as much — Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.

5. 5Which is a marking criterion for Task 2?

   A Task response B Length in pages C Neat handwriting only D Number of long words
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   Task response — Task response is one of the four criteria, with coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.

6. 6In a 'both views' essay, do you give your own opinion?

   A No, stay neutral B Yes, after covering both sides C Only in Task 1 D Only if you agree
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   Yes, after covering both sides — A discussion essay still requires your own clear position.

7. 7Where does a new idea NOT belong?

   A A main body paragraph B The introduction's preview C The conclusion D A topic sentence
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   The conclusion — The conclusion restates your position; it adds nothing new.

8. 8What is the best paragraph strategy?

   A Three short points per paragraph B One developed idea per paragraph C No paragraphs at all D A list of one-line opinions
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   One developed idea per paragraph — One well-supported idea per paragraph scores higher than many thin points.

9. 9Which register suits Task 2?

   A Casual and chatty, with slang B Formal or semi-formal, no contractions C Text-message style D Bullet points only
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   Formal or semi-formal, no contractions — Task 2 is a formal or semi-formal essay in full sentences.

10. 10What is the fastest way to lose task-response marks?

    A Using an example B Answering a different question than the prompt C Writing a conclusion D Taking a clear position
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    Answering a different question than the prompt — Drifting from the exact prompt damages the task-response score most.

11. 11Which phrase softens a general claim?

    A always, without exception B tends to C it is a fact that D everyone knows
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    tends to — Cautious language such as 'tends to' or 'is likely to' is safer and more academic.

12. 12What should you do in the last three minutes?

    A Add a new paragraph B Check verbs, articles and spelling C Count every word aloud D Rewrite the introduction
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    Check verbs, articles and spelling — A quick check of grammar and spelling protects your accuracy marks.

Recap cheat-sheet

How to prepare with this course

• Build opinion and argument language in Expressing opinions and Debating and argumentation.
• Link ideas smoothly with Linking words for writing, Linking: contrast (advanced) and Linking: result (advanced).
• Sound academic and cautious with Hedging and cautious language and get the tone right with Formal and informal register.
• Rehearse timed essays with the Writing practice guide.

Next

• Start here: English Exams: Which One & How to Prepare
• Build arguments: Debating and argumentation
• Rehearse writing: Writing practice guide
• New here? Start with Start Learning English Here