English Exams/ IELTS Exam Preparation/IELTS Writing Preparation/Writing TAsk 2
English Exams IELTS Writing Task 2 Preparation Resources
Understand IELTS Writing Task 2, Reach Your IELTS Score
Prepare for IELTS Writing Task 2 with focused lessons, practical exercises, and proven essay strategies. Learn how to structure your ideas, develop stronger arguments, improve your academic writing skills, and achieve your target IELTS band score with confidence.
IELTS Writing Exam Test Structure
Test overview
The IELTS Writing test includes two tasks to complete in 60 minutes: describing visual information or writing a letter in Task 1, and writing an essay in Task 2. This guide explains the Academic and General Training formats, assessment criteria, key differences, and where to find targeted practice to improve your writing skills.
Writing Test Structure
60 Minutes Total Both Tasks
Task 1: 20min
Task 2: 40min
Task 1: min. 150 words · describe visual data or write a letter.
Task 2: min. 250 words · counts for 2/3 of your Writing band.
01 Start Here
What is IELTS Writing Task 2?
Task 2 asks you to write a formal essay of at least 250 words in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. It’s identical in format for both Academic and General Training candidates.
Why Task 2 matters more than Task 1: examiners weight Task 2 roughly twice as heavily as Task 1 when calculating your overall Writing band. A strong Task 2 essay can lift a weak Task 1 answer; a weak Task 2 essay will cap your band regardless of how good Task 1 was.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Task Response Presentation
02 Know your Question
Writing Task 2: The Five Essay Question Types
Almost every Task 2 prompt falls into one of five patterns. Recognising the type in the first 60 seconds tells you exactly how to structure your answer. Task 2 is identical in format for both Academic and General Training candidates.
Question Type
What it asks
Typical structure
Opinion (Agree/Disagree)
State and defend your view on a statement
Thesis → 2 body paragraphs supporting your view → conclusion
Discussion (Both Views)
Discuss two opposing views, then give your own
View A paragraph → View B paragraph → your opinion → conclusion
Problem & Solution
Identify causes/problems and propose solutions
Problems paragraph → solutions paragraph → conclusion
Advantages & Disadvantages
Weigh the pros and cons of a trend or policy
Advantages paragraph → disadvantages paragraph → conclusion
Two-Part Question
Answer two distinct questions on the same theme
Answer 1 paragraph → answer 2 paragraph → conclusion
03 The scoring rubric
Writing Task 2: The four marking criteria
Every Task 2 essay is scored equally across four criteria, each worth 25% of your Task 2 band. Click through to practise each one individually.
Criterion 1
25% of Task 2 Band
Task Response
Fully answering every part of the question, taking a clear position, and developing ideas with relevant support.
Criterion 2
25% of Task 2 Band
Coherence & Cohesion
Logical paragraphing, clear progression of ideas, and accurate linking words that don’t feel mechanical.
Criterion 3
25% of Task 2 Band
Lexical Resource
Range and precision of vocabulary, natural collocations, and accurate word forms under time pressure.
Criterion 4
25% of Task 2 Band
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
A mix of simple and complex sentence structures, written with control and few errors.
How your band is calculated: the examiner scores each criterion 1–9, averages the four, then combines that with your Task 1 band on a 1:2 weighting to give your final Writing band — rounded to the nearest half band.
04 The template
IELTS Writing Task 2: A reliable four-paragraph structure
Examiners aren’t looking for creativity of structure, they’re looking for clarity. This four-paragraph shape works for every question type.
01
Introduction
Write a General Hook to captivate your audience, paraphrase the question in your own words, finally state your thesis or position clearly in 2 or 3 sentences max.
02
Body paragraph 1
One main idea per paragraph. State it, explain it, then support it with a specific example or reason and finally conclude it.
03
Body paragraph 2
A second, distinct main idea, following the same explain-then-support pattern as paragraph 1.
04
Conclusion
Summarise your position in different words from the introduction. Don’t introduce new ideas here. Finish with a recommendation for the future. All in 2 to 3 sentence max.
05 Where Points are lost
IELTS Writing Task 2: Common Academic mistakes
Most essays that score below a 6.5 share one of these problems, regardless of vocabulary or grammar level.
Not answering the full question: if the prompt asks two things (“what causes this, and what solutions exist”), an essay that only addresses one half is capped for Task Response no matter how well it’s written.
Memorised “template” language: examiners are trained to spot generic sentences learned by rote. Overused phrases and prepared examples that don’t fit the question can actually lower your Lexical Resource and Task Response scores.
Under 250 words, or padded far past it: falling short is penalised directly under Task Response. Writing 400+ words rushed and repetitive usually lowers accuracy and coherence more than it helps.
No clear position: hedging between both sides without ever committing to an opinion (in Opinion-type questions) leaves Task Response incomplete.
06 Scoring
IELTS Writing Task 2: How your Writing band is calculated
A simplified, essay-focused summary of the official Task 2 public band descriptors for the most common target range.
9
Fully developed
Fully addresses all parts, ideas relevant and fully extended
8
Well developed
Sufficiently addresses all parts, well-extended and supported ideas
7
Clear position
Addresses all parts, clear position, main ideas extended but some lack focus
6
Relevant position
Addresses all parts though some more fully; relevant but underdeveloped ideas
5
Partial response
Addresses the task only partially; position unclear, limited support
4
Minimal response
Responds minimally, position unclear, ideas hard to follow
07 Your Plan
How to prepare?
A practical order to work through, adjustable to how much runway you have before test day.
Your 5 Steps To Success
01
Take a diagnostic
Establish your current Writing band score before you start, so study time goes where it’s actually needed.
02
Work Sub Skill by Sub Skill
Use the criterion-by-criterion exercises to isolate and fix your specific weak point instead of writing full essays every time.
03
Get Writing Feedback
Get professional help with expert guidance, personalised feedback, and targeted practice to improve your Specific Writing Problems With IELTS Writing Task 2.
04
Target your weakest Sub Skill
Within Writing especially, identify which of the four scoring criteria is capping your band, and drill that specifically.
05
Practise under timed conditions
In the final two weeks, always write both tasks together in the full 60-minute window to build exam-day stamina and pacing.
08 Common questions
IELTS Writing Task 2: Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to what candidates ask most about IELTS Writing Task 2.
Is Task 2 really identical to the General Training version?
Yes. The essay task, timing, word count and marking criteria are the same in both versions, only Task 1 differs.
How many words should my Task 2 essay be?
A minimum of 250 words. Aim for 260–320 ,enough to fully develop two body paragraphs without rushing accuracy in the final minutes.
Can I use a memorised template?
A structural template (intro, two body paragraphs, conclusion) is fine and recommended. Memorised sentences and examples that don’t fit the actual question will hurt your score.
How much time should I spend planning before writing?
3–5 minutes. Identify the question type, decide your position or structure, and jot down two main ideas before you start writing.
Does handwriting or typing speed affect my score?
Not directly, but running out of time before finishing your conclusion does affect Task Response and Coherence. Practise under real time pressure using your actual test format.
Which criterion should I focus on if I don't know my weak point?
Submit a response for marking (see below) or take a diagnostic with me, guessing which criterion is capping your band wastes far more time than a single proper assessment.
Any More Questions
If you have more questions about IELTS Writing Task 2 preparation, or choosing the right resources, feel free to get in touch.
08 Practise a sub-skill
IELTS Writing Task 2: Start Writing Practice
Prefer to skip ahead? Every sub-skill for IELTS Writing Task 2 has its own set of exercises.
Writing Task 2 Academic & General
Writing Task 2
Practise Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 with realistic essay questions and targeted exercises. Learn to develop clear arguments, organise your ideas effectively, use academic language, and write well-structured essays using effective exam strategies.
IELTS Task 2 Academic & General
Task Response
Practise Task Response for IELTS Academic Writing Task 2. Learn to answer the question fully, develop clear arguments, support your ideas with relevant examples, and write well-focused essays that meet the assessment criteria.
IELTS Task 2 Academic & General
Coherence & Cohesion
Practise Coherence and Cohesion for IELTS Academic Writing Task 2. Learn to organise your essay clearly, connect ideas logically, use paragraphs effectively, and create well-structured arguments.
IELTS Task 2 Academic & General
Lexical Resource
Practise Lexical Resource for IELTS Academic Writing Task 2. Learn to use a wider range of academic vocabulary, express ideas precisely, avoid repetition, and develop stronger essays with effective language choices.
IELTS Task 2 Academic & General
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Practise Grammatical Range and Accuracy for IELTS Academic Writing Task 2. Improve sentence variety, grammar accuracy, and your ability to express complex ideas clearly and effectively in well-structured essays.
Self-Study Materials
Popular Free IELTS Writing Task 2 Worksheets
Start practising today with free worksheets, writing templates, and exam practice activities. Download them instantly. no sign-up required!
IELTS Writing Task 2
Brainstorming Practice
A collection of 10 IELTS Writing Task 2 brainstorming worksheets featuring realistic exam questions. Practise generating relevant, well-developed ideas for different essay types and build the skills needed to plan stronger Band 7–9 essays with confidence.
IELTS Writing Task 2
Argument Structure Practice
A collection of 10 IELTS Writing Task 2 essay planner worksheets designed to help you organise your ideas before you write. Practise choosing your position, planning logical body paragraphs, and selecting relevant supporting ideas to build clear, well-structured Band 7–9 essays with confidence.
IELTS Writing Task 2
Writing Check list
A 1-page IELTS Writing Task 2 checklist covering the four assessment criteria to help you review your essay, identify common mistakes, and maximise your band score before you submit.
Continue Your Journey
What To Study Next?
Keep developing your English with more IELTS resources designed to improve your reading, listening, and speaking skills. Explore targeted practice activities, build your confidence, and continue preparing effectively for your IELTS goals.
IELTS Listening
Prepare for the IELTS Listening test with realistic practice activities, expert lessons, and proven exam strategies. Develop the listening skills, vocabulary, and techniques you need to understand spoken English and achieve your target band score.
IELTS Reading
Prepare for the IELTS Reading test with realistic practice activities, expert lessons, and proven exam strategies. Develop the reading skills, vocabulary, and techniques you need to understand a wide range of texts and achieve your target band score.
IELTS Speaking
Prepare for the IELTS Speaking test with realistic practice activities, expert lessons, and proven exam strategies. Develop your fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and confidence to communicate effectively and achieve your target band score.
English Exam feedback
Need English Exam Feedback But Short on Time?
Submit your practice writing and receive detailed, personalised feedback. I’ll correct your grammar, vocabulary, and organisation, explain your mistakes, and show you exactly how to improve your score before exam day.
Exam Feedback
Written Evaluation
Submit your essay, report, review, or letter and receive detailed, personalised feedback. I’ll correct grammar, improve vocabulary and collocations, check your organisation, and show you exactly how to meet the exam criteria. Your evaluation will be delivered within 48 hours.
490 Kč/text
Exam Feedback
Speaking Assessment
Record and send your speaking practice, and receive detailed, personalised feedback. I’ll assess your fluency, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and exam performance, with clear advice on how to improve . Your evaluation will be delivered within 48 hours.
490 Kč/text
Your Teacher
Kristof Abrath
English Teacher and Teacher Trainers with 20+ years of experience across four continents. I have trained over 10,000+ students face-to-face in the Czech Republic, Belgium. Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Tunisia, and Colombia, as well as online with students all over the globe.
I specialise in Exam classes: IELTS, Cambridge FCE, CAE, and CPE.
Masters in Education
CELTA
DELTA
Young Learners
20 Years + Experience
4 Continents
All Ages
All levels
Exam classes
1-on-1 Consultation
Book Your Strategy Session
Don’t waste time studying without a plan. In our first lesson, we’ll assess your current level, identify the areas holding you back, and create a clear roadmap to help you reach your target exam score.
- Full Speaking Mock Test
- Examiner-Style Feedback
- Personalised Learning Roadmap