IELTS Writing Task 2: Pattern, Topics, Preparation Tips

IELTS Task 2 Academic Essay Structures

IELTS essay structure depends on the type of essay question. However, most of the IELTS essays have a similar structure. The points given below provide you with an overview of the IELTS essay structure:

Introduction:

• Paraphrase the question
• Outline the views or main idea
• Take a stand (if required)

Paragraph 1

• Topic sentence
• Details
• Supporting example/evidence

Paragraph 2

• Topic sentence
• Details
• Supporting example/evidence

Conclusion

• Summarize all the main points

Restate your stand (if required)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

• A candidate is supposed to write a ‘Discursive Essay’. This means that the essay revolves around a particular topic and you are asked to give your opinion on it, provide solutions, argue for/against, etc.
• Writing Task 2 topics are related to a broad theme and then a specific idea is explored within that theme. This can be illustrated with the help of the table given below:

Let us now delve into the types of questions that are asked:

• Opinion Questions: These questions ask for your opinion on a specific topic. The questions can look something like this →
• Do you agree?
• To what extent do you agree?
• What is your opinion on this?
• What do you think about this?
• Advantage/Disadvantage question: These questions ask about the advantage(s) or disadvantage(s) of something. The questions can be of the following nature →
• What are the advantages?
• What are the disadvantages?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages?
• Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages (and vice versa)?
• Problem/Causes – Solution question: These questions ask you to discuss a given problem/cause and then suggest solutions or ways to mitigate that problem
• What is/are the problem(s)/cause(s)?
• How to solve/mitigate?
• Discuss both views: Here you are expected to discuss two views on a given topic and then asked to take a stand.
• Double question: These can be a combination of the above types. The question stem will help you understand what the examiner wants from you. Two types of double questions are given below.
• What is your opinion on the topic and what can be done about it?
• What are the disadvantages and what can be done about this?

Also Read:

• IELTS prep tips: Writing section
• IELTS prep tips: Reading section

IELTS Writing Task 2 Scoring

The official IELTS website mentions 4 performance descriptors:

• Task Response: You should address all parts of the task, take a position/stand, and your ideas should be supported by evidence. You can write examples from your own experience. Read: IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Answers & Expert Tips to Score High
• Coherence and cohesion: A coherent essay is one that has clarity and is properly structured. There should be logic, seamless flow, and integration of your ideas. A cohesive essay is one where cohesive devices and linking words such as connectors, conjunctions, etc. are appropriately used. Remember that the examiner should be able to understand your essay, its main idea, and the points that you want to convey to him/her.
• Lexical resource: This is nothing but an appropriate and accurate usage of a range of vocabulary.
• Grammatical range and accuracy: When we talk about grammatical range and accuracy, we are talking at the ‘sentence level’. Your sentences should have a wide range of structures and should be accurate at the same time.

Getting confused? Here is an easy way to understand the scoring criteria. Ask yourself these questions:

• How well you have answered the question?
• Have you proven your point strongly enough?
• How well is your essay structured?
• Have you linked your paragraphs and thoughts well enough so that there is a seamless flow in the language?
• Is your vocabulary precise?
• How accurate is your grammar?
• Have you used punctuation correctly?
• Are there any spelling mistakes?

Ask yourself these questions whenever you attempt a mock test. With practice, you will start writing well-structured essays, and if you are already doing so, well, there is always room for improvement.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Difference between a Good and an Average Score

Now that you have a fair enough idea about the pattern, types of topics asked, types of questions asked, and the scoring criteria for the essays, let us look into the differences between a good and an average essay.

Also Read:

• IELTS prep tips: Listening section
• IELTS Speaking Tips 2024

IELTS Writing Task 2 Preparation Tips and Resources

Now that you have a fair enough idea about the essay test, here are some tips and resources for Writing Task 2:

• Let us start with what you should be doing while writing the essay for your IELTS exam:

1. Planning: Read the question carefully and understand what is the broader theme. Now, find out what is the specific topic that the question talks about. Once you have understood the specific topic, prepare a rough structure of the essay in a way that you cater to the specific topic.
2. Introduction: Paraphrase the question in a way that it indicates your stand/opinion and mentions the main ideas as to why you have taken this stand.
3. Main Body Paragraphs: These should be coherent, and should be based on the ideas that you have mentioned in your introduction. The transition from one paragraph to the other should be organic and must not be a “shock” for the examiner. There should be a proper use of linking words.
4. Conclusion: You should reiterate your stand, and then give a summary of the main ideas that you have used.

• Some extra tips:

1. You can mention real-life examples to support your main ideas.
2. Do not memorize readymade templates. You are not sure what questions might be asked on the exam. It is much better that you focus on actual mock tests and evaluate them.
3. Do not deviate from the topic.
4. Use proper IELTS connectors for writing. Some of these include: firstly, secondly, lastly, in addition, moreover, also, for instance, therefore, as a result, specifically, clearly, particularly, despite, despite, however, alternatively, due to, because, to conclude, etc.

• Resources: Some of the most trusted resources that you can use for your test prep are:

1. Official IELTS website: https://www.ielts.org/.
2. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
3. Writing for IELTS (Collins)
4. Writing for the IELTS (Barron's Test Prep)
5. IELTS Writing Task 2 by Rachel Mitchell
6. Grammarly App: You can practice the essays from the books mentioned above and check them on the website. You will receive a score and suggestions on how to make your essay better.