IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 2: essay types, structure and tips
Task 2 is a 250-word essay written in about 40 minutes. It counts for twice as much as Task 1, so it deserves the most practice.
Practise Task 2 essaysThe main essay types
- Opinion (agree or disagree)
- Discuss both views and give your opinion
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Problem and solution
- Two-part (direct) questions
A reliable structure
Write an introduction that paraphrases the question and states your position, two body paragraphs that each develop one main idea with an explanation and example, and a short conclusion that restates your view.
Plan before you write
Spend five minutes planning. Underline every part of the question so that you answer all of it — partly answering the task is a common reason for a lower Task Response score.
Frequently asked questions
How many paragraphs should a Task 2 essay have?
Four or five is typical: introduction, two or three body paragraphs and a conclusion.