IELTS Writing Task 2 – Understanding the Foundations
Whether you’re aiming for academic admissions, work opportunities, or immigration purposes, achieving a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2 can significantly boost your success. Writing Task 2, the essay portion of the IELTS writing test, carries more weight than Task 1 and requires you to compose a coherent, structured, and logically argued response of at least 250 words. It tests your ability to communicate effectively in written English, using appropriate tone, structure, and grammar. More importantly, it challenges your critical thinking, argument development, and linguistic range.
Many candidates approach Writing Task 2 with uncertainty, often focusing too heavily on memorized phrases or complex vocabulary, rather than what the examiners truly value. To succeed, it’s crucial to understand what the examiners are assessing. The IELTS Writing band descriptors divide the evaluation into four key categories: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. Each of these areas is weighted equally, and neglecting any of them can pull your overall score down.
Task achievement means fully addressing all parts of the question prompt. If the question asks for your opinion, you need to clearly state and support it. If it asks you to discuss both views and give your opinion, you must handle all three aspects. Providing vague ideas, ignoring part of the question, or offering unsupported arguments will limit your score. The more clearly and directly you answer the question while supporting your position with real examples, explanations, or consequences, the better your performance.
Coherence and cohesion refer to how well your essay is organized and how smoothly it flows. An essay that is jumbled or confusing, even if it contains good ideas, will be penalized. Examiners want to see a logical structure: an introduction that outlines your position, clear body paragraphs that each address one key point, and a conclusion that ties your argument together. Linking words such as however, furthermore, and as a result help your essay flow, guiding the reader through your argument. But using these devices excessively or incorrectly can distract from the message, so balance is key.
Lexical resource refers to your use of vocabulary. A high score in this category comes from demonstrating a wide range of vocabulary accurately. This does not mean using the longest words possible, but rather choosing the most precise word for your idea. Showing flexibility through synonyms, paraphrasing, and topic-specific language helps you stand out. Repeating the same phrases or overusing basic vocabulary may lead to a lower score, even if the grammar is correct.
Grammatical range and accuracy evaluate how well you use English grammar. Variety is important—using different sentence types, tenses, and structures shows command of the language. Accuracy is equally vital. One or two minor errors won’t ruin your score, but consistent mistakes, especially if they affect understanding, will. Complex structures should be used when appropriate and only when you can control them accurately.
All four of these criteria are interlinked. A strong argument with poor grammar may not be persuasive. Advanced vocabulary without clarity or coherence won’t impress. Therefore, the best IELTS essays demonstrate strength in every area, combining idea development, structure, vocabulary, and grammar into one polished response.
Let’s examine this through the lens of a sample essay. When given a prompt such as “The world would be a better place if we all spoke the same language. Do you agree?” the candidate must consider all aspects. This includes providing a clear thesis, presenting arguments both in favor and against, and explaining their stance clearly. A well-balanced response might start with the potential advantages of a universal language—ease of travel, better international cooperation, and streamlined global business. Then, it could counter with thoughtful concerns such as the cultural loss that accompanies language extinction, the role of language in shaping thought, and the importance of linguistic diversity in innovation.
In an ideal essay, each paragraph addresses one clear idea. Transitioning from one to another should feel seamless. The introduction briefly presents the topic and your viewpoint. The body paragraphs offer supporting details, and the conclusion reinforces your stance while summarizing your main arguments. This structure isn’t just for the examiner’s benefit—it makes it easier for you to stay focused and develop your points fully.
It’s also important to keep an eye on tone. IELTS Writing Task 2 expects a formal academic style. This means no contractions, no slang, and no overly casual expressions. Instead of writing “I think it’s a bad idea,” you might say, “This approach presents significant drawbacks.” Formal tone contributes to the overall impression of maturity and command of language.
Practice plays a vital role in improving your performance. Simply reading strategies or watching tutorials is not enough. Regularly writing essays under timed conditions helps you develop the ability to think, plan, and write quickly. After each practice essay, evaluate it according to the four scoring criteria. Identify patterns in your errors. Are you forgetting to link your paragraphs? Are your examples too vague? Are you using the same sentence structure over and over? These insights will guide your targeted improvement.
One recommended strategy is to write with a plan. Spend the first five minutes organizing your ideas. Create a simple outline—introduction, two or three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Decide your main points before you start writing. This short investment of time will prevent wandering arguments and save you from last-minute confusion.
Equally important is reviewing your writing. After completing a practice essay, come back to it later with fresh eyes. This will help you notice errors in logic, awkward phrasing, or grammar slips. If possible, ask for feedback from someone experienced or compare your writing with high-scoring sample answers. The more critically you evaluate your work, the more you’ll refine your understanding of what the exam demands.
Understanding what examiners look for is crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 2. One of the most effective ways to grasp this is by analyzing a real candidate’s essay through the lens of the official IELTS assessment criteria.
Essay Prompt:
The world would be a better place if we all spoke the same language. Do you agree?
As the world becomes more interconnected with the growth of the Internet and cheaper travel, it is important to examine the concept of a universal language. There are benefits in terms of travel and business, but a common language threatens a loss of culture and identity.
Firstly, a common language would mean there are no language barriers. Travelling to different countries would be easier and more accessible. In business, there would be less danger of misunderstandings. Furthermore, in situations of conflict where there are multiple troops from different countries, it would be easier for them to work together if they all spoke one language.
However, this would mean the loss of all other languages as they become unnecessary. Language is tied to culture. Through speaking a language one is projecting cultural history and identity. Moreover, the way language changes reflects both the history of a society and the current culture. Loss of a language means the loss of an important part of the culture.
Additionally, there is evidence to show that language is linked to the way people think. People who speak multiple languages alter their thought process when they switch languages. The entire world speaking one language eliminates diversity of thought, threatening future development and invention.
In conclusion, although a universal language might make the world easier in terms of cooperation, it would not be a better place. It would mean the loss of culture, identity and diversity of thought. In the long term, these losses outweigh the benefits.
Let’s now evaluate this response using each of the four official IELTS writing criteria.
This category measures how well the candidate responds to the task. It looks at whether the essay answers the question, develops ideas, and supports them with evidence or explanation.
In this case, the writer fully addresses the prompt. The essay takes a position in response to the question, stating in the introduction that there are some benefits to a universal language, but ultimately suggesting that it would be harmful overall. This position is maintained consistently throughout the essay and restated effectively in the conclusion.
The body paragraphs each focus on a distinct aspect of the topic—practical benefits in the first, cultural loss in the second, and cognitive consequences in the third. Each point is supported with logical examples and thoughtful explanations. For instance, the writer mentions business misunderstandings, cooperation in conflict zones, and the link between language and thought patterns. While the example about “multiple troops from different countries” may seem less relevant or a bit abstract, it still fits the idea of global communication and is consistent with the topic.
The essay contains between 250 and 300 words, meeting the minimum word count requirement without going so long as to become repetitive. The candidate doesn’t deviate from the topic and doesn’t include off-topic ideas or filler phrases. Each paragraph contributes meaningfully to the central argument.
Based on these elements, this essay would likely receive a high score for task achievement, possibly in the band 8 range.
This criterion focuses on the logical organization of the essay. It includes paragraphing, the use of cohesive devices (linking words), and how well ideas are connected throughout the essay.
The essay has a clear and effective structure. It follows the standard format for IELTS Writing Task 2: an introduction, three well-developed body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph covers one main idea and follows a logical sequence. This makes the essay easy to follow and digest.
Linking words and discourse markers are used appropriately and effectively. The essay starts with transitional phrases like firstly, however, and additionally. These markers help to guide the reader through the points and clarify the relationship between ideas. The writer uses cohesive devices not only between paragraphs but also within them, such as in the phrase “Through speaking a language, one is projecting cultural history and identity.” The flow from sentence to sentence feels natural and fluent.
There is no overuse of linking words, and they don’t feel forced. The connections between ideas are clear, even when the writer introduces more abstract thoughts, such as how language influences cognition and invention. The ideas are organized from general to specific, and the argument builds in complexity as the essay progresses.
The effective paragraphing, combined with smooth transitions and a logical flow, suggests a high level of coherence and cohesion. This area also likely scores in the band 8 range.
This criterion assesses the range and accuracy of the vocabulary used. It includes the ability to use topic-specific words, avoid repetition, and express nuanced ideas with appropriate language.
The vocabulary in this essay is both accurate and varied. The candidate avoids simple words and instead uses precise terms that are appropriate for the topic. Examples include universal language, language barriers, cultural history and identity, diversity of thought, cooperation, misunderstanding, and cognitive consequences.
There is no over-reliance on generic or repeated vocabulary. Synonyms are used well. For instance, instead of constantly repeating “language,” the candidate uses terms like common language, speaking a language, and universal language to add variety.
The writer also demonstrates an ability to express abstract and complex ideas, such as how language reflects society’s values or how linguistic diversity supports future innovation. These are sophisticated concepts that are communicated clearly.
Importantly, the vocabulary used enhances the argument rather than complicating it. There are no misused words, and there’s no attempt to impress the reader with unnecessarily complicated phrases. This balance is key to achieving a high band score in the lexical resource.
This essay would score highly in this category, again likely in the band 8 range.
This final criterion looks at the variety and correctness of grammatical structures. It includes sentence length, complexity, punctuation, and overall grammar accuracy.
This essay demonstrates excellent grammatical control. The writer uses a range of sentence types, including conditionals, relative clauses, and complex structures. For example:
Tenses are consistent and appropriate throughout the essay. There are no noticeable errors in subject-verb agreement, punctuation, or article usage. The candidate handles conditionals well (e.g., “this would mean the loss…”), and the use of relative clauses adds depth to the sentences without creating confusion.
The grammatical range is broad enough to meet the highest expectations of the IELTS band descriptors. Sentences are well-formed and communicate meaning clearly. There’s no awkward phrasing or structures that feel forced.
Even without showcasing overly complex structures for their own sake, the writer uses enough variety to meet the requirements for a band 8 or even band 9 in this area.
This candidate has written an essay that strongly fulfills the IELTS Writing Task 2 requirements. It answers the prompt directly and thoroughly, maintains a consistent argument, and is organized with clarity and precision. Vocabulary is used flexibly and naturally, and grammar is accurate and varied.
If assessed by an IELTS examiner, the essay might receive the following estimated band scores:
This would result in an overall Writing Task 2 band score of 8.0.
There are several important takeaways from this essay analysis that can help you improve your performance:
When preparing for IELTS Writing Task 2, one of the most powerful tools you have is your writing. Many candidates focus heavily on sample essays or third-party feedback, which are undoubtedly helpful. However, the real breakthrough often comes when you learn to assess your essays like an examiner would. This not only strengthens your ability to recognize common writing mistakes but also teaches you how to think critically and structure your responses more effectively.
Before we dive into the method, it’s important to understand why self-assessment is so impactful. Every time you write an essay, you’re generating a sample of your current ability. If you assess it effectively, you can measure progress, pinpoint areas of weakness, and refine your study focus. You begin to write with intention, aware of what your writing must include and what it must avoid. Over time, your writing becomes sharper, more concise, and more aligned with the IELTS standards.
Moreover, self-assessment fosters independence. In a real test setting, you will have no outside help. Training yourself to catch mistakes, identify weak arguments, and improve your structure teaches you how to edit and upgrade your writing in real time.
Let’s now go through the full process of assessing your own IELTS Writing Task 2 essays in a way that is realistic, effective, and directly tied to examiner expectations.
To make your assessment meaningful, you must first produce a genuine writing sample. That means writing an essay under test conditions. Choose a prompt from any IELTS Writing Task 2 collection. Set a timer for 40 minutes. Use pen and paper if you’re taking the paper-based test, or a plain text editor without spell check if you’re preparing for the computer-based version.
Avoid any aids—no notes, no grammar checkers, and no dictionaries. The goal is to simulate the actual IELTS environment. When the timer ends, stop writing, even if you haven’t finished. This will give you a real picture of what you’re capable of under pressure.
Once your essay is complete, give yourself a short break. Come back to your essay with a fresh perspective—this will make your evaluation more accurate.
Begin your assessment with task achievement. This measures how fully and effectively you answered the question.
Ask yourself the following questions:
For example, if the prompt asks you to discuss both views and give your own opinion, did you address both views equally? Did you clearly state your viewpoint? Did you support it with more than just general statements?
If you answered no to any of these questions, then your essay may fall short in this category. To score well in task achievement, your essay must directly answer every part of the question, develop your ideas clearly, and provide logical examples.
Common pitfalls in task achievement include:
Make a note of these issues if they appear in your essay. Then try rewriting one paragraph with more detailed examples and explanations.
This category focuses on how well your ideas are organized and connected. Coherence is about logical flow; cohesion is about the use of linking words and structure to tie your points together.
Questions to ask during assessment:
Strong cohesion doesn’t mean using a linking phrase in every sentence. Overusing cohesive devices can hurt your score. Instead, aim for variety and natural transitions. Paragraphs should connect fluidly, with each one leading naturally into the next.
Coherence also depends on how well your argument progresses. Does the introduction state your position clearly? Do body paragraphs expand logically on that position? Does the conclusion summarize your argument effectively without repeating it word-for-word?
Highlight areas where your paragraphing feels unclear or where the reader might get confused. Try reordering sentences or simplifying transitions to improve the flow.
This refers to your use of vocabulary, both range and accuracy.
When reviewing your essay, consider these points:
If your essay repeats words like important, good, problem, or people too often, that may indicate a limited vocabulary. Try to vary your language. Use synonyms or reformulate your ideas. For example, instead of saying “a big problem,” you might say “a significant issue.”
Look for overused phrases and try rewriting them. Ask yourself whether your word choices fit the tone of an academic essay. Replace casual words with formal alternatives and check that idiomatic expressions don’t sound out of place.
Also, watch for collocation errors. Words often come in predictable pairs or patterns (e.g., take responsibility, make a decision). Using the wrong word in a common expression will make your writing seem less fluent.
Make a list of three to five new phrases or collocations you want to incorporate into your next practice essay. Reviewing and reusing vocabulary helps it stick.
No, we assess your grammar. This includes your ability to use a variety of structures as well as how accurately you use them.
Ask these questions:
Grammatical range means using more than just simple sentences. Your essay should include compound and complex sentences, relative clauses, and perhaps a conditional or passive structure where appropriate.
Grammatical accuracy is about correctness. While one or two minor errors are acceptable, frequent mistakes—especially ones that affect meaning—will lower your score.
Underline any errors you find. Then try rewriting those sentences using a different structure. Practice transforming simple sentences into more complex ones while maintaining clarity.
If you notice repeated grammar issues (e.g., always forgetting articles or misusing verb forms), set aside time in your study plan to review those topics. Targeted grammar revision leads to faster improvement.
Using your assessment, assign an estimated score out of 9 for each of the four criteria. Be honest with yourself. Your goal is improvement, not perfection.
Example:
Make a list of your main strengths and areas to improve. Then use this to plan your next steps.
Self-assessment is only useful if it leads to action. Use your notes to create specific writing goals.
Examples:
Keep a writing journal where you store your practice essays, assessment notes, and progress reflections. Over time, you’ll see how your writing improves. You’ll also build the habit of writing with the examiner’s mindset in view.
While self-assessment is essential, asking someone else to review your essay—especially someone familiar with IELTS scoring—can reveal blind spots. A second reader might catch issues you overlook or offer new perspectives on how to improve.
Try exchanging essays with a study partner. Review each other’s work using the four criteria. The act of assessing someone else’s writing also improves your ability to evaluate your own.
Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2 is not about a single strategy, one miracle vocabulary list, or memorizing a model essay. It’s about consistent practice, intelligent feedback, focused revision, and deliberate development of the skills that matter most. Now that you understand the structure of the IELTS Writing Task 2, how essays are assessed, and how to evaluate your writing, it’s time to build a complete preparation plan.
Before you begin writing practice essays every day, start by understanding the task in detail. Read through several official IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts. Note the question types and structure. You will notice there are typically five types of prompts:
Your first task is to become familiar with how these question types differ and how your approach should adjust for each one. For instance, an opinion essay demands a strong, clear position, whereas a discussion essay requires presenting both views fairly before stating your stance.
Goals for Phase 1:
Use this time to also brush up on grammar fundamentals. If you’re frequently making errors with subject-verb agreement, article usage, or sentence fragments, now is the time to correct them before they become harder to fix under time pressure.
Once you’ve built your foundation, shift into writing focused, full-length essays. Aim to write at least three essays per week under timed conditions. Select a variety of question types so you’re not over-preparing for just one format.
Use this structure for each writing session:
After every third or fourth essay, take time to revise it thoroughly. Rewrite the weaker parts. Add better examples. Replace simple language with more precise vocabulary. The goal isn’t to write a perfect essay on the first try, but to build awareness and control over time.
Focus Areas in Phase 2:
Create a spreadsheet or writing journal where you record each essay, the question type, your self-assessed scores, and one or two things you learned from it. Over time, this becomes your personal IELTS writing tracker—and your most valuable revision tool.
By now, you should be more confident in structuring essays and writing under pressure. This phase is about increasing precision, polishing language, and improving your speed without sacrificing quality.
Start writing four essays per week. Two of them should be fully timed. For the other two, focus on one specific skill: for example, write one essay with extra attention to vocabulary range, and another where you try to improve grammatical complexity.
Use peer review if possible. Ask someone else to read and rate your essay using the IELTS criteria. Alternatively, review your essays from two weeks ago to see your progress. This will give you insight into how your thinking and writing are evolving.
Goals for Phase 3:
At this stage, start building a mental checklist to use during the test. It may include:
Use this checklist during your next writing session to evaluate your progress in real-time.
This final phase is all about simulating the real test, managing stress, and finalizing your exam-day strategy.
Write at least two full-length Writing Task 2 essays under strict exam conditions. Pair these with Task 1 responses if you want to simulate the entire writing section. Review them the next day. Don’t try to write too much during this final phase—instead, focus on quality and confidence.
Use the rest of the time to revise your vocabulary banks, grammar notes, and model essays. Focus especially on reviewing your journal of past essays. Study your most common errors and how you fixed them.
Test-Day Readiness Goals:
The day before your test, do not write another full essay. Instead, relax, revise your key notes, and get plenty of sleep. You want to enter the test with a calm mind and fresh energy.
When you arrive at the test center, you’ll receive a Task 2 prompt immediately after completing Task 1. You’ll have 40 minutes to complete your essay. The prompt may involve current social issues, education, technology, crime, health, or the environment.
You will need to:
Remember to keep your introduction short but clear. Avoid long openings. Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea. Support each witan with an explanation and a relevant example. Your conclusion should reinforce your argument and give a sense of closure.
Remain calm, focused, and committed. If you feel stuck, take a breath, return to your outline, and continue. You have practiced for this, and your preparation will guide you.
Achieving a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not about shortcuts. It’s about building the habits of a clear thinker, a structured writer, and a confident communicator. Every essay you write in preparation teaches you something. Every error you correct makes you stronger. Every self-assessment you perform sharpens your insight.
You don’t need to be a native speaker or a professional writer to excel. You only need discipline, consistency, and a willingness to learn from your work. If you follow the preparation plan laid out in this series, you will not only improve your band score, but you will also develop skills that will serve you in academics, your career, and your everyday communication.
You are now ready. Trust your process. Write with purpose. And approach your IELTS Writing Task 2 with calm, clarity, and confidence.