IELTS Writing Task 2: Master Essay Writing with Questions, Topics & Samples

You are sitting in the IELTS exam room, hearing the clock ticking, as you turn the page to the final hurdle of the writing section - the IELTS Writing Task 2. The essay in this section will help decide a significant part of your overall IELTS score. But there’s no need to panic because we share a few helpful tips and expert strategies to attempt the IELTS Writing Task 2, to score a 7 or higher band score. If you want structured preparation, you can track your progress with structured mock tests and free IELTS courses ensures that you remain exam-ready and confident in tackling one of the hardest, IELTS Writing Task 2 topics 2022 with answers and questions that appear frequently in exams. 

For candidates preparing for academic exams, understanding IELTS Test Format 2025 and academic Writing Task 2 expectations is essential. You can also check in detail about what is IELTS academic exam to clarify the format and requirements. Familiarizing yourself with common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics and practicing with best preparation resources & tips can give you the edge in writing structured essays within the time limit. 

Don’t let weak vocabulary hold you back. Master the essential IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary List  today and get exam-ready faster.

Additionally, keeping up with the latest IELTS Writing Task 2 trends, topics and questions is crucial. For a detailed overview of the exam and its scoring, you can refer to the IELTS exam overview page, which helps you plan your study efficiently. Preparing well in advance and understanding IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answers allows you to model high-scoring responses while maintaining originality in your essays. 

What is IELTS Writing Task 2?

As stated above, the IELTS Writing Task 2 is a critical section of the global English proficiency exam. It helps assess the candidate’s expertise in expressing different ideas, building strong arguments, and demonstrating their knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary. Listed below are the key components of this section of the IELTS Writing Test:

• As the name suggests, IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the IELTS writing section.
• Applicants are expected to showcase their writing skills through a 250-word essay within a stipulated time of 40 minutes.
• Since IELTS Writing Task 2 comprises two-thirds of the total score of the IELTS writing section, scoring well on this task can significantly help improve your overall score. 
• With double the weight of the IELTS Writing Task 1, the Writing Task 2 paves the way for studying or pursuing a rewarding career abroad.

Want to write like a pro and boost your IELTS Writing Task 2 score? While this might seem difficult at first, given the cut-throat competition for the IELTS exam, you can surely ace the task with the right approach!

Let’s dive right in and help make your essay stand out from the intense competition!

✓ Develop a unique writing style; IELTS is not about generic writing. The competition is intense.  ✓ Avoid using memorized phrases or examples. Write new ones relevant to your question.   ✓ Use more facts and factual evidence. Statistics and data enrich your essay.    ✓ Seek feedback from peers and mentors. It is the best way to improve your writing. ✓ Compare your writing with other high-scoring samples. Study what makes them more impactful.  ✓ Join IELTS Study Groups. Studying with like-minded aspirants helps you gain new perspectives.  ✓ Practice as much as you can. There is no shortcut to success. ✓ Write on a variety of topics and time yourself for each.  ✓ Set weekly goals for writing. Rewrite to improve your vocabulary, structure, and arguments.  ✓ Take short courses on IELTS writing for additional help.

Key Strategies to Score High in IELTS Writing Task 2

The primary prerequisite for acing IELTS Writing Task 2 is to submit a well-structured essay within the given 40 minutes. To achieve this, focusing on strategic planning and understanding the IELTS exam pattern is crucial, as it outlines the sections, timing, and marking criteria. 

Before you start writing, it is highly beneficial to familiarize yourself with online preparation resources for IELTS. These resources provide guided practice on how to approach discussion, opinion, and solution essays, which are common types of IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. 

Additionally, aspirants can use home preparation strategies to practice independently. This is especially useful for mastering timing, essay structure, and developing your own style in IELTS Writing Task 2. 

Practicing with IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answers helps you understand what makes an essay score high while ensuring originality in your response. Combining this with coaching from reputed IELTS centres in Delhi can provide insight on common mistakes and areas for improvement. 

For students aiming to complete preparation quickly, referring to 1-month IELTS preparation guides can be highly effective. These condensed resources help prioritize latest IELTS Writing Task 2 topics and simulate exam conditions for better performance. 

1. Understand the task thoroughly.

You would need to write a formal essay within 250 words on a topic presented in the form of a problem, question, statement, opinion, or argument. Your essay will be a response to this in the following ways:

• Discussion Essay: Where you analyze both sides of an argument and present your opinion

Example: Online education is valuable, but traditional classroom learning is irreplaceable.

When preparing for IELTS Writing Task 2, balancing practice with review sessions is key. Tips and tricks to crack IELTS in the first attempt can help aspirants understand common pitfalls and optimize their study schedule.

• Solution Essay: Where you are required to recommend solutions to specific problems presented in the question

Example: Ways to reduce traffic congestion in major cities around the world

• Opinion Essay: Where you need to take and showcase a clear stand on the issue presented and support your stance with valid reasons or arguments

Example: Does social media tend to have a negative impact on communication in real life? Learn how to write Agree or disagree essay.

• Advantage/Disadvantage Essay: Where you need to assess the pros and cons of the topic

Example: Advantages and disadvantages of working from home for both employees and employers 

• Direct Question Essay: Where you need to give specific answers to the question asked 

Example: How can we attract more people to the teaching profession globally?

2. Plan well before you start writing.

Before starting your essay, effective planning is essential for IELTS Writing Task 2. Familiarizing yourself with the IELTS exam pattern helps you allocate time efficiently for brainstorming, drafting, and proofreading. 

A structured approach allows you to focus on IELTS Writing Task 2 questions accurately, ensuring that each part of the prompt is addressed. For instance, you can practice using online preparation resources that offer step-by-step strategies to plan essays within 40 minutes. 

Integrating exercises from free IELTS courses can improve your speed in organizing ideas logically and presenting arguments clearly. Regular practice with IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answers enhances your ability to plan well, while keeping essays concise and focused. 

Additionally, using home preparation guides allows aspirants to simulate exam conditions and test their planning strategies. This also helps you cover a variety of IELTS Writing Task 2 topics 2022 with answers efficiently, preparing you for any unexpected question type in the exam. 

3. Create a well-defined structure.

Follow a clear structure to get a good score in IELTS Writing Task 2. Also, use varied sentence structures throughout the essay to create a positive first impression on the examiner. Present valid reasons and viewpoints for the arguments that you put forth in response to the given question. Your essay should be divided into:

Introduction

• Paraphrase the question asked to highlight both viewpoints of the argument.
• Put forth your opinion in a structured and concise manner.

For a full guide on scoring and evaluation in Writing Task 2, visit the IELTS eligibility and scoring page.

Example: Online learning is fast gaining momentum, with several schools of thought opining that it may eventually replace traditional classroom instruction. While the flexibility and convenience of online learning platforms do seem attractive, classroom learning has certain irreplaceable advantages. This essay discusses both scenarios while establishing my viewpoint of following a balanced approach wherein both mediums can be well integrated.

Body

• The body paragraph of the essay should focus on one single idea at a time in each paragraph. 
• Support your arguments with valid examples and logical reasons.
• Focus on writing short and crisp paragraphs that flow naturally.

Example - Paragraph 1 - Digital learning presents greater convenience than conventional classroom setups. Students have the option of learning in their own time and pace. This is unlike traditional classroom learning which follows a fixed schedule. 

Paragraph 2 - However, despite the benefits of convenience and flexibility, traditional education scores in the areas of face-to-face interaction and a disciplined learning environment. It helps foster communication skills and teamwork in students, which are difficult to achieve in digital learning settings.

Conclusion

• Summarize the key points in your argument.
• Reiterate your stance.
• Highlight a balanced solution or forward approach.

Example: To conclude, while online learning does offer the attractive benefits of studying anytime, anywhere, it cannot completely replace traditional classroom settings. The latter continues to offer structured, interactive, and disciplined learning environments. Hence, a blended learning model that makes use of digital learning resources coupled with face-to-face interactions would be ideal for learners. 

4. Review the essay well after completion.

This helps ensure that it is written in a formal tone and is accurate in content, grammar, and vocabulary.

• Keep sufficient time at the end of the task for correcting any mistakes and improving readability.
• Check for spelling and grammatical mistakes (if any).
• Ensure that all ideas presented flow logically and are well connected.
• Check the total word count of the essay, ensuring that it is within 250 words.
• Make sure that all parts of the question have been appropriately addressed. 

Following the above strategies while attempting IELTS Writing Task 2 helps determine whether the applicant is suited to study and work in English-speaking countries. 

Checking your work against IELTS results guide expectations can help you understand the scoring criteria and how to maximize your band score in IELTS Writing Task 2. 

These expert tips are detailed in the next section to help you write like a pro in the IELTS Writing Task 2.

Sign up for the IELTS Free Course to ace the IELTS test and achieve a high band score.

Tips to Earn a 7+ Score in IELTS Writing Task 2

To write a well-structured and compelling essay in IELTS Writing Task 2, follow the expert tips outlined below:

Craft a Strong Introduction

The introduction helps set the tone for your essay. It also helps the examiner understand your approach to the topic given. Make sure to keep it strong and impressive by:

• Paraphrasing the question asked - Rephrase the topic in your own words to highlight the range of your vocabulary. Make sure to retain the original meaning of the topic presented.
• Make sure your answer is relevant to the asked question. Be as specific as possible and avoid generalizing. 
• Clearly expressing your stance - Take a clear stand on whether you agree or disagree and to what extent on the question asked.   
• Highlighting the key points - Briefly but clearly state the key arguments you intend to discuss in the main body of the essay.

Want to study abroad without paying hefty fees? Learn how to study abroad for free with upGrad!

Create a Cohesive Body

A cohesive body of the essay is the road to a high score in the IELTS Writing Task 2. Make sure to stick to the following to ensure clarity and coherence:

• Keep the opening sentence direct and concise. 
• Develop the idea gradually and put forth logical evidence or examples to support it.
• Explain only one idea or argument in each paragraph. This helps avoid confusion and maintains clarity.
• Connect sentences and paragraphs with relevant linking or transition words, such as additionally, furthermore, or however.
• Structure all the paragraphs of your essay such that the ideas smoothly and naturally flow from one to the next.
• Make sure to keep a balanced approach, presenting both sides of the opinion. 
• Also, ensure that you answer all parts of the question. There may be two or more parts to the question asked - carefully check that you have answered each part sufficiently. 

Here’s an example of one-part and multiple-part questions for your general understanding:

Type of Question	Parts of the Question	Response Requirements
Do you agree or disagree with this viewpoint?	Only 1	Agreement or disagreement with the given opinion and logical reasoning explaining your stance
Why do some people prefer to study abroad? What are the potential challenges they need to overcome?	Two parts	Giving possible reasons why people choose to study overseas and discussing some difficulties they may face in the process
What are the possible causes of traffic congestion in cities? How does it create problems for society at large? What measures can be taken to control the situation?	Three parts	Explain the main reasons for the problem, provide specific examples of the problems people face due to the problem, and suggest solutions with relevant examples

Keep the Conclusion Impactful

A strong conclusion is as important as an impressive introduction in your essay. Here’s how you can achieve the same:

• Effectively summarize all the key points highlighted in the body of the essay. Make sure not to repeat sentences, though.
• Reinstate your stance confidently, defining a clear final opinion on the topic.
• Avoid giving any new information in the concluding text.
• Write an impactful closing statement (just like in the introduction), ending with a thought-provoking suggestion or remark relevant to the essay topic. 

To master writing effective conclusions, you can explore importance of IELTS coaching where expert mentors provide personalized feedback and techniques for high-scoring essays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 2

The table below lists some of the dos and don’ts to keep in mind when attempting the IELTS Writing Task 2 essay:

What to Do	What to Avoid
Understand the task or essay topic well	Don’t divert from the key point or go off-topic
Use a strong vocabulary and uncommon lexical terms	Don’t repeat sentences or ideas
Use a logical structure or writing format; also use connectors or linking words/phrases	Don’t use too many complex words or vocabulary; avoid forced usage
Maintain a formal tone throughout the essay	Don’t use casual language, slang, or contractions
Keep the essay divided into short and crisp paragraphs	Don’t go too much beyond the prescribed word limit
Use an ideal mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences to showcase your wide grammar range	Don’t ignore time management and waste time on any one section
Proofread your essay; ensure it is grammatically correct and error-free	Don’t lean heavily toward any one side of the argument

Grammatical Errors to Watch Out For in Your Essay

To help you understand better the errors that most students tend to make commonly when attempting the IELTS Writing Task 2, we share the following table of possible grammatical mistakes. Make sure to avoid them in your essay writing.

Common Grammatical Mistake	Example	Correct Usage
Incorrect tense	Over the last few decades, technology changed the way people communicate (simple past).	Over the last few decades, technology has changed the way people communicate (present perfect).
Incorrect tense in the conditional clause	If people will recycle more, pollution levels will go down.	If people recycle more, pollution levels will go down.
Incorrect use of gerunds	People are interested to learn new technologies.	People are interested in learning new technologies.
Incorrect placement of articles	Education is vital part of a child’s development.	Education is a vital part of a child’s development.
Incorrect preposition usage	The demand of electric vehicles is on the rise.	The demand for electric vehicles is on the rise.
Incorrect use of relative clause	People which live in cities often earn more.	People who live in cities often earn more.
Misuse of passive voice	People believes that laws should enforced strongly.	People believe that laws should be enforced strongly.
Incorrect use of countable nouns	She gave me a feedback on my assignment.	She gave me feedback/some feedback on my assignment.
Incorrect subject-verb agreement	A lot of people prefers to study and work overseas.	A lot of people prefer to study and work overseas.
Wrong punctuation (eg. missing comma)	If people use more cars more pollution is likely to occur.	If people use more cars, more pollution is likely to occur.

Sample Essay for IELTS Writing Task 2

Acing IELTS Writing Task 2 is all about writing an effective essay that leaves a strong impression on the examiner. Shared below is a sample essay to help you better understand what to expect.

To support your preparation journey to ace this task, digital learning platforms such as upGrad can help. We help provide aspirants with sample exam questions and mock tests for practice, in addition to structured courses and study material for achieving excellence in IELTS.  

Question: One school of thought suggests that students should be given homework every day, while another deems it unnecessary. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Introduction

Homework has been an inherent part of school life for a long time. There have been varying perspectives on the importance of this time-honored practice, though. While some argue that everyday homework is critical to improving student learning, others strongly believe that it causes unnecessary stress in students. This essay discusses both viewpoints while establishing the ideal approach to follow.

For aspirants aiming to improve their writing skills, exploring IELTS exam overview resources can provide insight into how IELTS Writing Task 2 is evaluated and what examiners look for.

Body - Paragraph 1 - Why Daily Homework is Important

Those who are in favor of daily homework practice in schools believe that the practice helps students better remember all that they learned in class during the day. Regular practice further helps develop crucial skills at a young age, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, which can be particularly helpful in subjects like Science and Math. Additionally, homework helps equip students with important life skills like time management and responsibility. 

Many students also find success by studying IELTS Academic reading materials, as strengthening comprehension skills indirectly boosts their ability to plan and structure essays effectively in IELTS Writing Task 2.

Body - Paragraph 2 - Why Too Much Homework is Not Good

While homework does have its advantages, an excess of it can have negative effects on overall student development, such as undue stress and dullness. Children aren’t left with enough time for other activities crucial to their complete personality development - extracurricular hobbies, exercise, and playtime with family and friends. 

Conclusion

While homework is a useful learning tool that facilitates the overall academic development of the child, too much of it can mean more harm than good. A balanced approach in this regard is ideal - giving students just the right amount of homework, sufficient to support their academic learning, and which does not cause unnecessary stress. 

Why this Essay Meets a Band 7+ IELTS Score

The sample above is a clear example of how to write an effective essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 to meet the desired high score. Here’s how it meets the required IELTS 7+ band score criteria:

• A well-defined structure with coherence and connectors like ‘Moreover’, ‘Additionally’, etc.
• The essay ensures spelling and grammatical accuracy and uses a mix of simple and richer vocabulary.
• It presents a single idea in each paragraph, with no repetition of ideas and a clear stance.
• The essay shares relevant examples, wherever necessary, to prove a point.
• It completes the assigned task by presenting both sides of the viewpoint and highlighting your stand or opinion as well.   
• The essay meets the defined 250-word range for IELTS Writing Task 2.

To see more sample essays and tips to achieve a band 7+ score, explore the IELTS eBook.

Disclaimer: The essay shared above is for reference only. Please avoid copying and reusing the same content to avoid plagiarism and possible rejection in the IELTS Writing Task 2.

Conclusion

Mastering Writing Task 2 for IELTS requires consistent practice to hone your writing skills and achieve a high band score in the globally competitive exam. A high score further helps establish your authority in the English language, making you appear as an attractive prospect to study or work in English-speaking countries.

A balanced approach of assigning just the right amount of homework supports learning without undue stress. For insights on perfecting conclusions, check the 1-month IELTS prep guide.