IELTS Writing Task 2: Complete Essay Writing Guide (Band 7–9)

Learn how to write clear, well-structured IELTS Task 2 essays with strong ideas, logical paragraphs, and examiner-approved techniques. Master opinion, discussion, and problem-solution essays with confidence.

What Is IELTS Writing Task 2?

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second and most important part of the Writing test. In this task, you must write an academic-style essay responding to a given question or statement.

Both Academic and General Training candidates complete Task 2 in essay format, making it the most heavily weighted writing task in the exam.

Because Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1, even small weaknesses in argument structure or development can prevent candidates from reaching Band 7.

Key features include:

  • Minimum 250 words
  • Recommended time: 40 minutes
  • Formal academic tone
  • Argument-based writing
  • Opinion and evaluation required
  • Logical development of ideas

Unlike Task 1, which focuses on describing data, Task 2 tests your ability to think critically, organise arguments, and express complex ideas in clear English.

You may be asked to:

  • Agree or disagree with a statement
  • Discuss both sides of an issue
  • Solve a problem
  • Evaluate advantages and disadvantages
  • Respond to a mixed question

No matter the format, your main goal remains the same: present a clear position and support it with well-developed ideas.

Task 2 contributes two-thirds of your total Writing score, meaning weak performance here can severely limit your overall band—even if Task 1 is strong.

Many candidates lose marks because they misunderstand what the question is really asking. They write relevant English, but fail to address the task requirements fully.

To score well, candidates must understand how to fully answer the question and meet all four marking criteria. These criteria are Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

Learn this in detail in How to Fully Answer the Question.

When you master question analysis and essay structure, Task 2 becomes systematic rather than stressful.

A large number of IELTS candidates remain stuck at Band 6 or 6.5 in Writing Task 2 for years. This happens even to students with strong vocabulary and grammar.

The problem is rarely language alone. It is usually strategic.

Common causes include:

Weak or unclear ideas
 Many essays contain vague opinions without clear reasoning or evidence.

Poor development
 Points are mentioned but not explained, illustrated, or extended.

Unclear paragraph structure
 Body paragraphs often lack topic sentences or logical progression.

Repetitive language
 Students recycle the same phrases and sentence patterns.

Off-topic writing
 Some candidates misunderstand the question and respond incorrectly.

Rigid templates
 Overused memorised structures reduce flexibility and Task Achievement.

Many candidates repeat the same mistakes for years without realising why their score does not improve.

You can see the deeper causes in Why Essays Get Stuck at Band 6.5 and IELTS Task 2 Common Mistakes.

Without targeted correction, practice alone does not lead to progress.

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How High-Band Candidates Approach Task 2

Candidates who score Band 7–9 follow a professional writing process. They do not rely on instinct or memorisation. They use controlled systems.

1. Analyse the Question Properly

High-band writers identify:

  • The task type
  • The topic focus
  • The instruction words
  • The required position

They never begin writing until they fully understand the question.

Learn this skill in How to Fully Answer the Question.

2. Plan Before Writing

Strong candidates always plan.

They outline:

  • Main ideas
  • Supporting examples
  • Paragraph structure
  • Logical flow

This prevents confusion and repetition.

Master fast planning in How to Plan an Essay in 10 Minutes.

Expert Insight

After reviewing hundreds of IELTS essays, one pattern is clear: candidates who spend five minutes planning consistently outperform those who begin writing immediately. Planning prevents repetition, weak development, and structural confusion. Even a brief outline creates stronger coherence and clearer argument progression.

3. Build Logical Paragraphs

Band 7+ essays use controlled paragraph structures:

  • Clear topic sentence
  • Explanation
  • Example
  • Evaluation

Each paragraph has one main purpose.

Improve this skill with:

4. Develop Ideas Clearly

High-band writers do not list ideas. They develop them.

They show:

  • Cause and effect
  • Realistic examples
  • Depth of reasoning
  • Balanced evaluation

Learn this process in How to Develop Ideas in IELTS Task 2 Essays.

5. Connect Ideas Naturally

Strong essays flow smoothly.

They use:

  • Logical linking
  • Reference words
  • Paragraph transitions
  • Cohesive devices

Study this in Coherence and Cohesion.

6. Write with Examiner Awareness

Top candidates write for the marking system.

They understand:

  • What Band 7 requires
  • What Band 9 adds
  • Where marks are lost

Compare real scripts in Band 7 vs Band 9 IELTS Essays (Real Differences).

When these six skills combine, essays become consistent, clear, and high-scoring.

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What a Band 6 Paragraph Looks Like vs Band 7

Many candidates believe they are writing at Band 7 level when their essays still lack sufficient development. The difference becomes clear when we compare real paragraph quality.

Band 6 Example

Many people believe governments should spend more money on public transport. This is good because it reduces traffic and pollution. It is very important for cities. Therefore, governments should invest more in transport systems.

Why this stays at Band 6:

  • Ideas are general
  • No explanation of how or why
  • No specific example
  • Repetitive structure

Upgraded Band 7 Version

Governments should prioritise investment in public transport because it directly reduces traffic congestion and urban air pollution. When efficient bus and rail networks are available, commuters rely less on private vehicles, leading to fewer cars on the road. For instance, cities such as London have reduced emissions significantly after expanding underground systems. This demonstrates that transport investment can produce measurable environmental improvements.

Why this reaches Band 7+:

  • Clear cause-and-effect reasoning
  • Logical development
  • Specific example
  • Controlled academic tone

The difference between Band 6 and Band 7 is rarely vocabulary alone. It is depth of explanation and logical clarity.

Essay Types & Question Analysis

IELTS Task 2 contains several recurring essay formats. Each requires a slightly different response strategy.

These include:

  • Opinion essays
  • Discussion essays
  • Problem-solution essays
  • Advantage-disadvantage essays
  • Mixed questions

Understanding the format helps you select the correct structure and tone.

How Essay Types Differ in Practice

Although the formats look similar, the examiner expects different thinking patterns for each type.

In an opinion essay, your position must be clear from the introduction and maintained consistently throughout the essay. If your opinion shifts or becomes unclear, Task Response suffers.

In a discussion essay, balance is essential. You must explain both sides objectively before presenting your own view. Failing to develop one side fully often limits the score to Band 6.

In a problem-solution essay, simply listing problems is not enough. Strong responses explain causes and propose realistic, specific solutions.

Understanding these differences prevents structural mistakes that quietly reduce band scores.

Start here:

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Essay Structure & Organisation

Strong structure improves clarity and coherence. A common Band 6 issue is paragraph imbalance. One body paragraph may be fully developed, while another contains only two sentences. Examiners notice this immediately. Balanced structure signals control and planning.

High-band essays demonstrate:

  • Balanced paragraphs
  • Logical sequencing
  • Clear argument development
  • Effective transitions

Study organisation with:

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Introductions & Conclusions

The first and last paragraphs shape the examiner’s impression.

Good introductions:

  • Paraphrase accurately
  • Show position
  • Preview ideas

Strong conclusions:

  • Summarise logically
  • Reinforce stance
  • Avoid repetition

Improve these areas with:

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Ideas & Argument Development

High-band essays prioritise depth over quantity.

They focus on:

  • Logical reasoning
  • Relevant examples
  • Balanced perspectives
  • Real-world relevance

Build stronger arguments with:

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Errors & Score Killers

Some mistakes consistently destroy scores.

These include:

  • Partial answers
  • Misinterpreted questions
  • Overgeneralisation
  • Memorised language
  • Weak conclusions

One of the most common hidden errors is partial task response. Candidates often answer only part of the question. For example, if the prompt asks “Do you agree or disagree, and why?”, failing to explain reasons clearly limits Task Achievement. Similarly, weak conclusions that introduce new ideas instead of summarising arguments often reduce coherence.

Understanding how these errors appear in real essays is essential for moving beyond Band 6.5.

Avoid them through:

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IELTS Task 2 Study Roadmap

Week 1: Foundations

Week 2: Paragraph Skills

Week 3: Idea Development

Week 4: Exam Performance

Following this plan gives most learners measurable improvement within 30 days.

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Quick Self-Assessment: Is Your Essay Band 7 Ready?

Before submitting a practice essay, ask yourself:

  • Is my position clear in the introduction?
  • Does each paragraph focus on one main idea?
  • Have I explained why, not just what?
  • Did I include at least one realistic example?
  • Does my conclusion reinforce my position clearly?
  • Are my ideas logically connected?

If you answer “no” to several of these questions, the issue is likely structure or development rather than vocabulary.

Band improvement begins with honest evaluation.

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How Many Paragraphs Should IELTS Task 2 Have?

Most high-scoring essays use four paragraphs:

  1. Introduction
  2. Body Paragraph 1
  3. Body Paragraph 2
  4. Conclusion

Longer essays are possible, but clarity is more important than length. Examiners reward organisation and logical development, not paragraph quantity. Some high-level candidates use five paragraphs, but only when ideas require clear separation.

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Task 2 Writing FAQs

How many words should I write?

‍ 250–290 words is ideal. Writing far above this wastes time.

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Is planning necessary?

‍Yes. Spending 5–8 minutes planning saves marks later.

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Can I memorise essays?

‍No. This leads to memorisation penalties and poor Task Achievement.

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Is one idea enough?

‍No. Develop at least two strong main ideas.

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Should I use complex vocabulary?

‍Only when accurate. Mistakes reduce your score.

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Can I write personal stories?

‍Only if relevant. Academic tone is preferred.

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Do I need examples?

‍Yes. Examples strengthen development.

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Improve Your Task 2 Score Faster

If you want structured support and faster results, explore these options:

Download the Band 7→8 Toolkit
Book 1-to-1 Writing Coaching

Each option is designed to help you apply the principles on this page with structured feedback and guided practice.