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IELTS Writing Task 2: a practical guide
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you write an essay of at least 250 words giving your view on a social issue. You have about 40 minutes for it, and it is worth roughly twice as much as Task 1, so it deserves most of your time. Examiners mark four things equally: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
Many learners with good English get stuck at Band 6. The reason is rarely grammar alone. More often it is a vague position, ideas that are listed but never explained, or memorised phrases that do not fit the question.
This guide covers the four-paragraph structure, the five common question types and a before-and-after body paragraph. Then come 40 useful sentences from essays on remote work, public transport, university fees, social media, tourism, an ageing population, online shopping and space exploration, followed by the mistakes that cost the most marks.
Essay structure
- IntroductionTwo or three sentences. Paraphrase the question, then state your position clearly in a thesis sentence. You can briefly mention your two main reasons. Save examples for the body.
- Body paragraph 1Four to six sentences. Start with a topic sentence giving your first main idea, explain why it is true or what it leads to, add a specific example, and link it back to the question.
- Body paragraph 2Four to six sentences with the same pattern for your second idea. In a discussion or advantages essay, this is where the other side goes. A concession sentence can show you have considered other views.
- ConclusionTwo or three sentences. Restate your position and sum up your two main ideas. Do not add a new argument, and do not simply say there are pros and cons.
Common question types
Say clearly whether you agree, disagree or partly agree, and keep that position throughout. Practice prompt: 「Some people believe that all museums should be free to enter. To what extent do you agree or disagree?」
Give each view a fair paragraph, then state which you prefer. Forgetting your own opinion is a common way to lose marks. Practice prompt: 「Some people think cities should ban cars from their centres, while others believe this would harm local businesses. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.」
If the question asks whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, you must decide which side is stronger, not just list both. Practice prompt: 「In some countries, supermarkets are replacing cashiers with self-service machines. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?」
Explain the causes or problems in one paragraph and offer practical solutions in the other, ideally matching each solution to a cause. Practice prompt: 「In many cities, young adults cannot afford to rent a home of their own. What are the causes of this problem, and what can be done to solve it?」
Answer both questions directly, usually one per body paragraph. Practice prompt: 「Many people now spend their holidays in their own country instead of travelling abroad. Why is this? Is it a positive or negative development?」
Introduction: paraphrase and position
It is often argued that remote work benefits both employees and employers, while others believe it weakens teamwork.
'It is often argued that' paraphrases the question as a view people hold, instead of copying the prompt word for word.
Over the past decade, the number of people buying everyday goods online has risen sharply in many cities.
A specific background sentence is a stronger opening than a vague one beginning with "Nowadays".
This essay will argue that university education should not be completely free, although governments should support students from low-income families.
'This essay will argue that' gives a clear thesis; the 'although' clause shows your position has some balance.
Whether governments should spend public money on space exploration is a question that divides opinion.
Turning the question into a 'Whether…' subject is a neat way to paraphrase a discussion prompt.
I strongly agree that public transport should be made cheaper, for both environmental and economic reasons.
For an opinion question, state your position and preview your two reasons in a single sentence.
Giving your opinion
In my view, tourism brings more benefits than problems to local communities.
'In my view' introduces your opinion; use it on its own, never followed by 'I think'.
I would argue that social media does more harm than good to teenagers' self-esteem.
'I would argue that' sounds measured and academic; it suits a position you will go on to support.
From my perspective, an ageing population is less a crisis than a challenge that can be managed.
'From my perspective' presents your personal angle on an issue; 'less X than Y' adds a careful contrast. perspective: Full explanation →
It seems to me that working from home suits some jobs far better than others.
'It seems to me that' is a softer way to give an opinion, useful when you only partly agree.
I am convinced that cities should invest in cycling lanes rather than building more roads.
'I am convinced that' shows a strong, confident position; make sure your body paragraphs back it up.
Supporting your ideas
The main reason for this is that online shoppers can compare prices across dozens of shops in minutes.
'The main reason for this is that' opens a body paragraph with your strongest point.
Another significant advantage of remote work is that companies can save a great deal on office rent.
'Another significant advantage is that' adds a second important point without 'Moreover'. significant: Full explanation →
A further point to consider is that cheaper fares would encourage drivers to leave their cars at home.
'A further point to consider is that' introduces an extra argument in a formal way.
One key factor is the high cost of housing, which makes many young couples delay having children.
'One key factor is' names a cause clearly, which is useful in problem and solution essays. factor: Full explanation →
This is particularly relevant in crowded cities such as Hong Kong, where there is little space for new roads.
'This is particularly relevant in' shows where your point matters most and links it to a real place. relevant: Full explanation →
Giving examples
For example, Singapore uses electronic road pricing to reduce traffic in its city centre.
'For example' introduces a real case in a new sentence; a named place makes the example convincing.
A clear example of this is Venice, where large numbers of visitors have pushed up rents for local residents.
'A clear example of this is' gives a well-known case that proves the point you have just made.
For instance, a teenager who compares her life with edited photos online may begin to feel inadequate.
'For instance' can introduce a realistic imagined case; you do not need statistics in Task 2.
Everyday technologies, such as satellite navigation and modern weather forecasting, depend on space research.
'Such as' gives examples inside the sentence and is followed by nouns.
There is strong evidence that regular contact with friends and family helps older people stay healthy for longer.
'There is strong evidence that' supports a claim without inventing exact figures. evidence: Full explanation →
Contrasting ideas
However, online shopping has also led to the closure of many small local shops.
'However' turns to the other side; put a full stop before it and a comma after it.
While some people believe that university should be free for everyone, others argue that students should pay for a degree that will raise their future income.
'While some people believe…, others argue…' sets out two views in one sentence, ideal for discussion essays.
Unlike private cars, buses and trains can carry large numbers of people using relatively little road space.
'Unlike' compares two things directly and is followed by a noun.
Tourism creates jobs for local people; on the other hand, it can damage the very environment that attracts visitors.
'On the other hand' introduces the opposite side of the same issue, not just an extra point.
In contrast, employees who work from home every day may feel isolated from their colleagues.
'In contrast' highlights a clear difference between two groups or situations.
Cause and effect
As a result, many teenagers spend less time sleeping and more time scrolling through their phones.
'As a result' introduces a consequence of what you have just described.
Because medical care has improved, people now live considerably longer than they did fifty years ago.
'Because' gives a reason inside the sentence; both clauses must be in the same sentence.
This could lead to a shortage of workers, which would put pressure on pension and healthcare systems.
'This could lead to' predicts a possible effect; 'which would' adds a second, linked effect.
If fares were reduced, more commuters would be likely to switch from driving to public transport.
A second conditional ("If … were …, … would …") explains the likely result of a proposed policy.
Consequently, governments need to assess carefully whether the scientific benefits of space missions justify their cost.
'Consequently' shows a logical result; it is more formal than 'so'. assess: Full explanation →
Concession: accepting the other side
Admittedly, remote work can make it harder for new employees to learn from experienced colleagues.
'Admittedly' accepts a weakness in your own argument before you answer it.
It is true that space exploration is expensive; however, the technology it produces often improves everyday life.
'It is true that…; however,…' accepts a point and then shows why your view still stands.
Although tourism can put pressure on local services, this problem can be reduced through careful planning.
'Although' concedes a problem in the same sentence as your answer to it; do not add 'but'.
Critics may point out that free university education would be costly for taxpayers, and this is a valid concern.
'Critics may point out that' presents the opposing view fairly; follow it with your reply.
Some may interpret the decline of shopping streets as a loss for society, but it could equally be seen as a natural change in how people live.
'Some may interpret X as Y, but…' shows another reading of the facts and then offers yours. interpret: Full explanation →
Concluding
In conclusion, I believe that the benefits of remote work outweigh its drawbacks, provided that companies keep some face-to-face contact.
'In conclusion' opens the final paragraph; restate your position, with a condition if needed.
To sum up, both views have some merit, but I would argue that university fees should be kept low rather than abolished.
'To sum up, both views have some merit, but…' ends a discussion essay with a clear opinion.
Overall, a combined approach of lower fares and better services is the most effective way to get people out of their cars.
'Overall' gives your final judgement; 'a combined approach' suits problem and solution essays. approach: Full explanation →
On balance, governments should analyse the long-term costs of an ageing population and start planning for them now.
'On balance' gives your view after weighing both sides; ending with a recommendation is effective. analyse: Full explanation →
Ultimately, the question is not whether teenagers should use social media, but how they can be taught to use it wisely.
'Ultimately, the question is not whether…, but how…' reframes the issue in a memorable final sentence.
Before and after ✨
A Task 2 body paragraph
Nowadays, more and more people choose to work from home. In my opinion I think it have a lot of advantages for the employees. Firstly, they can save the time for travelling to office, a lot of people in Hong Kong spend over one hour on the MTR everyday, this is very tiring. Also, working at home can let them to spend more time with the family. For example my father work at home two days a week and he can cook dinner for us. So remote work is good for the people's life.
Nowadays, more and more people choose to work Working from home. In my opinion I think it have a lot of advantages for the employees. Firstly, they can save home offers employees several clear benefits. The most obvious is the time for travelling to office, a lot of people saved on commuting: many workers in Hong Kong spend over one an hour each day on crowded trains, which leaves them tired before the MTR everyday, this is very tiring. Also, working at home day has even begun. Without this journey, they can let them start work fresher and still have energy in the evening. Remote work also allows people to spend more time with the family. For example my father work at their families. A parent who works from home two days a week and he week, for example, can cook dinner for us. So remote work is good for or help the people's children with homework. Overall, these changes can noticeably improve employees' quality of life.
- The opening clichés are gone. "Nowadays", "more and more" and "In my opinion I think" are replaced by a direct topic sentence that says what the paragraph is about.
- The run-on sentence is split. Three full sentences joined by commas become one sentence with a colon and a "which" clause: clearer, and better grammatical range.
- The example supports the point. "My father" becomes "a parent who works from home", which is more general, and the last sentence explains the effect instead of repeating "good".
Phrases explained in full
Common mistakes
✗ In my opinion, I think remote work is good.
✓ In my opinion, remote work benefits most employees.
"In my opinion" and "I think" mean the same thing. Use one, and replace a vague word like "good" with something specific.
✗ Nowadays, more and more people choose to work from home.
✓ Working from home has become far more common since 2020.
"Nowadays" and "more and more" are overused openings that say very little. State the trend directly, or use "a growing number of".
✗ Every coin has two sides. Tourism has advantages and disadvantages.
✓ Tourism brings clear economic benefits, but it can also put pressure on local communities.
Memorised clichés such as "Every coin has two sides" add nothing. Say exactly what the two sides are.
✗ A lot of kids are gonna spend too much time on their phones.
✓ Many children are likely to spend too much time on their phones.
"A lot of", "kids" and "gonna" are informal. "Many", "children" and "are likely to" suit an essay better.
✗ The online shopping is more convenient than the shopping in the mall.
✓ Online shopping is more convenient than shopping in a mall.
No "the" is needed when you talk about something in general, such as "online shopping". Article errors are among the most common.
✗ An essay of about 200 words that ends after the second body paragraph.
✓ An essay of 260–300 words with an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion.
Writing under 250 words usually costs marks, and a missing conclusion hurts your structure. Plan your time so all four paragraphs get written.
✗ Question: "Why is this happening? Is it positive or negative?" The essay only explains the causes.
✓ Body 1 explains the causes; Body 2 says clearly whether the trend is positive or negative.
If the question has two parts, answer both. Missing one part seriously limits your Task Response score.
✗ This is a controversial issue which has caused a heated debate in the society.
✓ Whether public money should fund space research is a matter of real debate.
A sentence that fits every question tells the examiner nothing, and "the society" is wrong. Paraphrase the actual topic instead.
Tips
- Plan for five minutes. Decide the question type, your position and one main idea for each body paragraph before you write a word.
- Answer every part of the question. If it asks "Why?" and "Is this positive or negative?", you need to answer both.
- Keep one clear position. State it in the introduction, support it in the body and repeat it in the conclusion.
- Develop each idea. A topic sentence, an explanation and a specific example is worth more than three points that are only mentioned.
- Paraphrase the question. Words copied from the prompt do not show your vocabulary. "Work from home" can become "remote work".
- Save time to check. Look for subject-verb agreement, articles, plurals and tenses: small errors add up.
FAQ
What happens if I write fewer than 250 words?
You are likely to lose marks for Task Response. Aim for about 260–300 words. Writing much more does not earn extra marks and leaves less time to check your work.
Can I use "I" in a Task 2 essay?
Yes. Most questions ask for your opinion, so "I believe" or "In my view" is fine. Just do not combine two opinion phrases, as in "In my opinion, I think".
Should I memorise model essays?
No. Examiners recognise memorised passages, and they rarely fit the question. Learn flexible sentence patterns instead and adapt them to the topic in front of you.
How many body paragraphs should I write?
Two well-developed body paragraphs are usually enough in 40 minutes. In a discussion essay, give each view its own paragraph; in an advantages and disadvantages essay, give one paragraph to each side.
Do I need difficult words to get Band 7?
No. Examiners reward vocabulary that is accurate, natural and varied. A common word used correctly beats a rare word used wrongly. Natural collocations such as "pose a risk" or "a growing number of" help most.
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