Study Abroad Exams | Expert Tips

Introduction

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is a test of your ability to write a coherent and well-structured essay in response to a given prompt. You will have 40 minutes to write the essay, and you will be expected to write at least 250 words. The essay will be assessed based on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

The Task Response criterion evaluates how well you have addressed the prompt and whether your arguments are relevant and convincing. Coherence and Cohesion assess how well you have organized your ideas and how smoothly they flow from one to another. Lexical Resource evaluates your vocabulary range and accuracy, while Grammatical Range and Accuracy assesses your grammar proficiency.

5 Steps to a Band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2

Achieving a Band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a good understanding of the test and a lot of practice. Here are five steps that can help you achieve a Band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2:

Step 1: Understand the prompt

Before you start writing, make sure you understand the prompt. Identify the key ideas and keywords, and analyze the task requirements. This will help you stay on topic and ensure that you have addressed all parts of the prompt.

Step 2: Plan your essay

Create a rough outline of your essay before you start writing. This will help you organize your ideas and ensure that your essay is well-structured. Start with an introduction that presents your thesis statement and introduces your key arguments. Follow this with two or three body paragraphs, each focusing on a single idea that supports your thesis. Finally, conclude with a summary of your main points and a restatement of your thesis.

Step 3: Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar

Make sure you use a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures. Avoid repeating the same words or phrases, and use synonyms wherever possible. Also, pay attention to your grammar and ensure that your sentences are well-constructed and error-free.

Step 4: Use linking words

Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas and make your essay more coherent. Linking words can help you demonstrate the relationship between ideas, show contrast, emphasize important points, and indicate the sequence of events.

(Read More: Tips for assured success on IELTS writing)

Step 5: Practice

Practice writing essays on a variety of topics and get feedback from a teacher or tutor. Take note of your strengths and weaknesses and focus on improving your weaknesses. The more you practice, the more confident you will become in your writing skills

Ways to Improve Your Score in IELTS Writing Task 2

Improving your score in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a combination of practice and knowledge of the test format. Here are some tips to help you improve your score:

Tip 1: Read widely

Reading widely will help you build your vocabulary and improve your writing skills. Read a variety of texts, such as newspapers, magazines, and books, and pay attention to the language and style of the writers. This will help you develop a better understanding of the language and enable you to express your ideas more effectively.

Tip 2: Learn new vocabulary

Learning new vocabulary is crucial for improving your score in the Lexical Resource criterion. Make a habit of learning new words every day and use them in your writing. This will not only improve your vocabulary but also help you to express your ideas more precisely and accurately.

Tip 3: Write essays regularly

The best way to improve your writing skills is to practice regularly. Set aside some time each day to write essays on a variety of topics. You can also find sample essay prompts online or from an IELTS preparation book. This will help you become more familiar with the test format and develop your writing skills.

Tip 4: Get feedback

Getting feedback on your writing is essential for improving your score. You can ask a teacher or tutor to review your essays and provide feedback on your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you to identify areas that need improvement and focus your efforts accordingly.

Tip 5: Use a variety of sentence structure

Using a variety of sentence structures will help you to demonstrate your range of grammatical structures and improve your score in the Grammatical Range and Accuracy criterion. Experiment with different sentence structures, such as complex sentences, compound sentences, and simple sentences, to make your writing more interesting and varied.

Writing Task 2 Structures

A good essay structure is essential for achieving a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2. Here are some structures that you can use to organize your essay:

Structure 1: Introduction, two or three body paragraphs, and a conclusion

This is a simple and effective essay structure that you can use for most essay prompts. In the introduction, present your thesis statement and introduce your key arguments. In the body paragraphs, present your arguments with supporting evidence and examples. You can also include similes and idioms while writing an essay. Finally, conclude with a summary of your main points and a restatement of your thesis.

Structure 2: Opinion essay

An opinion essay is a type of essay that requires you to express your opinion on a topic. Use the following structure for an opinion essay:

Introduction: Present your thesis statement and introduce your opinion on the topic.

Body paragraph

1 Present your first supporting argument and provide evidence to support your opinion.

Body paragraph

2 Present your second supporting argument and provide evidence to support your opinion.

Body paragraph

3 Present your third supporting argument and provide evidence to support your opinion.

Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your opinion.

Structure 3: Problem-solution essay

A problem-solution essay is a type of essay that requires you to identify a problem and propose a solution. Use the following structure for a problem-solution essay:

Introduction: Present the problem and provide some background information.

Body paragraph

1 Describe the problem in detail and explain why it is a problem.

Body paragraph

2 Present your proposed solution and explain how it can solve the problem.

Body paragraph

3 Describe the benefits of your solution and explain how it can be implemented.

Conclusion: Summarize your main points and emphasize the importance of your solution.

(Read More: IELTS exam syllabus and eligibility criteria)

Essential Writing Task 2 Skills

To succeed in IELTS Writing Task 2, you need to have a range of writing skills. Here are some essential skills that you should develop:

Skill 1: Critical thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information and make informed judgments. In IELTS Writing Task 2, you need to be able to critically evaluate the prompt and identify the key ideas and arguments.

Skill 2: Time management

Time management is crucial in IELTS Writing Task 2, as you have only 40 minutes to write an essay. You need to be able to manage your time effectively to ensure that you have enough time to plan, write, and revise your essay.

Skill 3: Coherence and cohesion

Coherence and cohesion refer to the logical structure and organization of your essay. You need to ensure that your ideas are well-organized and presented in a clear and logical manner. Use transitional words and phrases to connect your ideas and create a smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs.

Skill 4: Grammar and vocabulary

Grammar and vocabulary are important aspects of writing. You need to demonstrate a good understanding of grammatical structures and use a range of vocabulary to express your ideas effectively.

(Read More: Things to keep in mind while preparing for IELTS)

Skill 5: Creativity and originality

Creativity and originality refer to your ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas. Use your imagination and creativity to present your arguments in a unique and interesting way.

Writing Task 2 Common Topics

IELTS Writing Task 2 covers a wide range of topics, including education, technology, society, environment, and culture. Here are some common topics that you might encounter:

Topic 1: Education

• Should university education be free for everyone?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of home schooling?
• Should schools focus more on practical skills than academic subjects?

Topic 2: Technology

• Is technology making our lives better or worse?
• Should social media be regulated by the government?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence?

(Read More: What are the best countries to study and work abroad?)

Topic 3: Society

• Should people be allowed to carry guns for self-defense?
• Is it better to live in a small town or a big city?
• What are the effects of globalization on culture?

Topic 4: Environment

• What are the causes and effects of global warming?
• Should governments ban plastic bags?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources?

Topic 5: Culture

• Is it important to preserve traditional cultures?
• What are the effects of cultural globalization?
• Should governments promote their own cultures over others?

Sample Answers material

To prepare for IELTS Writing Task 2, you can also find IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answers and model essays online or in IELTS preparation books. Here are some sample answers for the common topics:

Topic 1: Education

Sample answer:

In my opinion, university education should be free for everyone. Education is a fundamental right and should not be restricted by financial constraints. Moreover, free education would promote equal opportunities and social mobility.

(Read More: Why IELTS is the best choice for Overseas Education?)

Topic 2: Technology

Sample answer:

While technology has brought many benefits, such as improving communication and increasing productivity, it has also created new problems, such as cyberbullying and privacy violations. Therefore, I believe that social media should be regulated by the government to protect users' rights and ensure responsible use.

Topic 3: Society

Sample answer:

Carrying guns for self-defense is a controversial issue. While some people argue that it can deter crime and protect personal safety, others believe that it can lead to more violence and accidents. Therefore, I think that governments should regulate the possession and use of guns to balance public safety and individual rights. If you are not sure of the writing concept, take IELTS tutoring classes for a better idea.

Topic 4: Environment

Sample answer:

Global warming is a pressing issue that requires immediate action. The main causes of global warming are human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. To reduce the impact of global warming, governments and individuals should promote renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and adopt sustainable lifestyles, such as reducing waste and conserving resources.

Topic 5: Culture

Sample answer:

Cultural diversity is a valuable asset that enriches our society. While it is important to preserve traditional cultures, we should also embrace cultural exchange and understanding to promote global harmony and cooperation. Therefore, governments should support cultural diversity and provide opportunities for cross-cultural communication and education.

Full IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice Lessons

To prepare for IELTS Writing Task 2, you can find many practice lessons and exercises online or in IELTS preparation books. Here are some full IELTS Writing Task 2 practice lessons that you can use to improve your IELTS writing skills:

Lesson 1: Opinion essay

Topic: Some people believe that it is important to have a good job to be happy, while others think that it is more important to have a happy family life. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Lesson 2: Problem-solution essay

Topic: In many countries, the level of traffic congestion is increasing. What are the causes of this problem? What measures can be taken to reduce traffic congestion?

Lesson 3: Advantages and disadvantages essay

Topic: Some people believe that technology has made our lives easier, while others think that it has made our lives more complicated. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essential Information

Here are some essential information and tips for IELTS Writing Task 2:

• You should spend about 40 minutes on this task and write at least 250 words.
• You will be assessed on four criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Grammar and Vocabulary, and Task Response.
• You should write in a formal style and use a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary.
• You should avoid using slang, contractions, and colloquial expressions.
• You should plan your essay before you start writing and use transitional words and phrases to connect your ideas.
• You should provide relevant examples and evidence to support your arguments.
• You should check your spelling, punctuation, and grammar before submitting your essay.

(Read More: Know everything about figures of speech)

Grammar and Vocabulary

Grammar and vocabulary are essential components of writing. Here are some grammar and vocabulary tips for IELTS Writing Task 2:

• Use a range of sentence structures, such as simple, compound, and complex sentences, to demonstrate your grammatical range and accuracy.
• Use transitional words and phrases, such as however, therefore, in addition, to connect your ideas and create a smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs.
• Use a variety of vocabulary to express your ideas accurately and effectively. You can use synonyms, antonyms, and idiomatic expressions to add variety and depth to your writing.
• Use academic vocabulary, such as hypothesis, phenomenon, and paradigm, to demonstrate your academic proficiency and knowledge.
• Use appropriate verb tenses, such as present simple, present continuous, past simple, and present perfect, to convey the right meaning and tone.

Conclusion

IELTS Writing Task 2 is a challenging but rewarding task that tests your writing skills and ability to express your ideas in a clear, coherent, and persuasive manner. To achieve a high band score, you need to master the essential skills, such as task analysis, time management, coherence and cohesion, grammar and vocabulary, and creativity and originality, and practice extensively using IELTS sample papers and practice lessons. With dedication and hard work, you can ace the IELTS Writing Task 2 and achieve your dream score.