In IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, you are required to write an essay of at least 250 words. This task tests your ability to present a clear argument, support it with evidence, and write using appropriate academic style and tone.
You have 40 minutes to complete this task. This time must include planning, writing, and reviewing your essay.
Task 2 is included to assess your ability to:
Express an opinion or viewpoint clearly.
Support your arguments with logical reasoning.
Use a range of grammatical structures and academic vocabulary.
Follow an essay structure suitable for academic writing.
This task is essential because it mirrors the skills you will need in higher education or professional environments where English is the medium of communication.
You must write a formal, academic-style essay. Informal expressions, contractions (e.g., don’t, can’t), or overly emotional language should be avoided.
Minimum: 250 words
Recommended: 260–280 words (to ensure coverage while allowing time to check)
Writing less than 250 words results in a penalty. Writing too much can reduce your editing time, increasing the chance of grammar errors.
IELTS Task 2 questions fall into five main categories:
E.g., To what extent do you agree or disagree?
You present your opinion and defend it.
E.g., Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
You analyze two sides of an issue and state your view.
E.g., What problems are caused by X, and what solutions can be proposed?
You identify problems and suggest relevant solutions.
E.g., Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
You explain the pros and cons and give your opinion.
E.g., Why is this the case? What can be done about it?
You answer two separate but related questions.
To succeed in Writing Task 2, you must meet the four Band Descriptor criteria:
Fully address all parts of the question.
Present a clear position throughout the essay.
Use paragraphs logically.
Include cohesive devices like “however,” “moreover,” and “in contrast.”
Use a wide range of vocabulary accurately.
Avoid repetition and inappropriate word choices.
Use various sentence structures (simple, compound, complex).
Minimize grammar and punctuation mistakes.
| Feature | Task 1 | Task 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Word count | 150 words minimum | 250 words minimum |
| Time recommended | 20 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Focus | Describing graphs/processes | Writing an argumentative essay |
| Tone | Formal | Formal |
| Structure | Summary + details | Introduction, body, conclusion |
Task 2 is worth twice as many marks as Task 1, making it critical to your overall writing score.
Familiarize yourself with essay types.
Analyze sample questions and model answers.
Practice structuring your response: intro, body, conclusion.
Time yourself to write within 40 minutes.
Review grammar and vocabulary regularly.
A: No. The IELTS essay must be written in continuous paragraphs.
A: Yes, for opinion-based essays, first-person is appropriate but should be formal (e.g., “In my opinion,” not “I think so”).
A: You should paraphrase the question to avoid repetition and to demonstrate vocabulary range.
A: Your handwriting must be legible. Poor handwriting can negatively affect your score.
Write a formal essay of at least 250 words.
Complete it in 40 minutes.
Structure: Introduction → Body Paragraphs → Conclusion.
Focus on clear argument, logical flow, strong vocabulary, and correct grammar.
Types: Opinion, Discussion, Problem-Solution, Advantage-Disadvantage, Double Question.
IELTS Writing Task 2 plays a pivotal role in your overall IELTS writing score. Understanding its format, purpose, scoring, and essay types is the foundation for effective preparation. By mastering this task, you not only boost your band score but also improve your ability to write persuasive, well-structured arguments in real-world academic and professional settings.