IELTS Writing Task 2 is one of the most misunderstood components of the IELTS exam. Many test-takers fall victim to common myths or make easily avoidable mistakes. These can negatively affect your band score—even if your ideas are good.
This lesson will help you identify, understand, and avoid the most frequent myths and mistakes that impact performance.
Many candidates believe that writing a long essay (300–400 words) will impress the examiner. However, this is not true. IELTS examiners do not reward extra length unless it directly improves clarity, support, and development of ideas.
Increases the chance of grammar and vocabulary errors.
Reduces time for editing and proofreading.
Can lead to off-topic or repetitive writing.
Minimum: 250 words (below this = automatic penalty).
Optimal: 260–280 words.
Maximum Recommended: ~300 words (only if well-edited and organized).
Some test-takers mistakenly write the essay as if they are talking to a friend. Using slang, contractions (like don’t, can’t), or personal stories that lack academic relevance can reduce your Lexical Resource and Task Response scores.
❌ “I think this is kinda cool.”
❌ “Lots of people don’t wanna go to school.”
❌ “Stuff like that is really bad.”
✅ “This concept is considered highly beneficial.”
✅ “Many individuals are reluctant to pursue formal education.”
✅ “Such issues present significant challenges to society.”
Some students rely heavily on pre-learned templates or full essay answers. While using structural templates (like paragraph order) is fine, using memorized introductions, conclusions, or ideas is risky.
The question might not fit your memorized answer.
Your response may lack relevance or development.
IELTS examiners are trained to spot rehearsed language and penalize it.
✅ Essay structures (Introduction → Body → Conclusion).
✅ Useful academic phrases (e.g., “It is commonly believed that…”).
✅ Linking devices (e.g., “Furthermore,” “In contrast,” “Therefore”).
In opinion essays (e.g., To what extent do you agree or disagree?), some candidates believe they must write a balanced discussion. However, this is not required unless the question demands it.
✅ Discussion essays: Discuss both views and give your own opinion
✅ Advantage–disadvantage essays: Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
✅ Opinion essays: Do you agree or disagree?
You can choose one side only and fully support it.
Some candidates jump straight into writing to avoid wasting time. This leads to disorganized ideas, repetition, and incoherent paragraphs.
Helps structure your essay clearly.
Ensures all parts of the task are answered.
Avoids running out of ideas mid-paragraph.
✔ Understand the question type.
✔ Write a clear thesis statement.
✔ Outline 2–3 main ideas.
✔ Think of examples for each paragraph.
While using advanced vocabulary and grammar can help, they must be accurate. Forced or incorrect use of high-level words or structures can actually lower your score.
❌ “The government should promulgate juxtaposed policies to ameliorate the obfuscation.”
✅ “The government should implement clear policies to solve the problem.”
Precision over obscurity.
Simplicity with variety.
Correct usage of formal vocabulary.
Some learners overuse words like moreover, however, therefore in every sentence. This makes your writing mechanical and forced.
Use naturally and sparingly.
Combine with pronouns and reference words to avoid repetition.
❌ “Moreover, people like fast food. Moreover, it is cheap. Moreover, it is tasty.”
✅ “People enjoy fast food because it is both affordable and flavorful.”
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Writing fewer than 250 words | Automatic penalty |
| Going off-topic | Low Task Response score |
| Using informal language | Penalized in tone and Lexical Resource |
| Memorized responses | Easily detected by examiners |
| No thesis statement | Essay lacks direction and clarity |
| Lack of paragraphing | Poor organization, hard to follow |
| Overuse of linking words | Makes writing unnatural |
| Too many spelling/grammar errors | Reduces overall band score |
| Not answering all parts of the question | Incomplete Task Response |
| Writing without a plan | Leads to incoherent and unbalanced essay structure |
A: Your essay will be penalized for being under length, even if it’s well-written.
A: Yes, if they are presented in a formal tone. Avoid casual storytelling.
A: Yes. Using first-person in a formal manner is appropriate for opinion essays.
A: Ideally four to five: Introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
✅ Always analyze the question type first.
✅ Write at least 250 words.
✅ Maintain formal, academic tone throughout.
✅ Use topic-specific vocabulary, not “fancy” or obscure words.
✅ Write clearly and logically.
✅ Review grammar and punctuation after writing.
✅ Practice with real IELTS prompts regularly.
✅ Time yourself to simulate test conditions.
To succeed in IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing the right strategies. By avoiding the common myths and mistakes outlined above, you can focus on writing structured, logical, and high-quality essays that fulfill the examiner’s expectations.