Writing Task 2 for the IELTS Exam

Common failure modes

These are the patterns that cause most candidates to lose marks on this topic. Recognising them in advance is half the work.

• !Misclassifying the prompt type (opinion vs discussion vs problem-solution)
• !No clear thesis statement in the introduction
• !Underdeveloped body paragraphs (no example, no extension)
• !Memorised template phrases that don't match the prompt

Study tips

• 1Drill the four Task 2 prompt types and their structural templates.
• 2Memorize 10 high-band linking phrases ("It could be argued that…", "A counterpoint to this…").
• 3Plan for 5 minutes before writing — examiners can tell when planning was skipped.
• 4Practice 4-paragraph essays of exactly 280 words; over-writing burns Task 1 time.

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 questions

These sample items mirror the format and difficulty of real IELTS questions. Practice with thousands more on the free Koydo question bank.

1. 1

   A Task 2 prompt that asks "Discuss both views and give your opinion" requires:

   • AOne opinion paragraph
   • BTwo body paragraphs presenting opposing views, plus your opinion stated in the introductionCorrect
   • CA problem and solution paragraph
   • DA pro-con list with no opinion
   Why this answer?

   A "discuss both views and give your opinion" prompt requires explicit treatment of both perspectives plus a stated opinion (typically in the intro and reinforced in the conclusion). Missing either side or omitting the opinion drops Task Response below Band 7.