WRITING TASK 2

Task description

Task 2 is an essay (c.250 words) on a given topic. There is no choice of topic, but it generally involves discussing an issue and giving your own opinion. You should spend around 40 minutes on task 2, which has more influence on your final band score than task 1.

There are 3 grading criteria for the second writing test:

Content: addressing the question appropriately, supporting or justifying opinions, giving personal examples etc.

Cohesion and coherence: how your content is organized; whether it 'flows', paragraphs etc

Language :(grammar, variety and complexity of sentence structure etc.).

Skills tested

ü  Presenting differing points of view and supporting one with your own ideas and evidence

ü  Communicating your ideas and opinions clearly and fluently

ü  Using grammatical and appropriate English with a range of structures and vocabulary

ü  Organizing your ideas and sticking to the point

What you should do

Practice writing timed essays of 250 words before the exam so you are confident and not rushed. When you have completed a piece of writing, you can take it to a METC instructor for feedback on grammar, structure and cohesion.

Spend a couple of minutes planning the structure of your essay before you start to write. The 250 words is around 5 short paragraphs. The first of these should introduce the topic or pose the problem. The next 3 should develop relevant points or arguments, or give your own opinion, with support. The conclusion should summarize the points and restate your view or main argument.

Individual paragraphs generally have a 'topic sentence' stating the main point. This is often the first sentence. The rest of the paragraph supports this and the final sentence should lead into the next paragraph or prepare for the next topic sentence.

Cohesion is important: this is the way your writing 'hangs together'. Use linking words and phrases, relative clauses, transition and ordering phrases which emphasize the relationship between sentences, paragraphs and ideas.

Examiners are looking for a range of grammatical structure and vocabulary, so let them see what you are capable of. Use interesting and varied vocabulary and a variety of sentence structures including more complex ones. 

7 Types of Task 2 questions for IELTS

Task 2 is an essay (c.250 words) on a given topic. There is no choice of topic, but it generally involves discussing an issue and giving your own opinion. You should spend around 40 minutes on task 2, which has more influence on your final band score than task 1.

There are 3 grading criteria for the second writing test:

Content: addressing the question appropriately, supporting or justifying opinions, giving personal examples etc.

Cohesion and coherence: how your content is organized; whether it 'flows', paragraphs etc

Language :(grammar, variety and complexity of sentence structure etc.).

ü  Presenting differing points of view and supporting one with your own ideas and evidence

ü  Communicating your ideas and opinions clearly and fluently

ü  Using grammatical and appropriate English with a range of structures and vocabulary

ü  Organizing your ideas and sticking to the point

Practice writing timed essays of 250 words before the exam so you are confident and not rushed. When you have completed a piece of writing, you can take it to a METC instructor for feedback on grammar, structure and cohesion.

Spend a couple of minutes planning the structure of your essay before you start to write. The 250 words is around 5 short paragraphs. The first of these should introduce the topic or pose the problem. The next 3 should develop relevant points or arguments, or give your own opinion, with support. The conclusion should summarize the points and restate your view or main argument.

Individual paragraphs generally have a 'topic sentence' stating the main point. This is often the first sentence. The rest of the paragraph supports this and the final sentence should lead into the next paragraph or prepare for the next topic sentence.

Cohesion is important: this is the way your writing 'hangs together'. Use linking words and phrases, relative clauses, transition and ordering phrases which emphasize the relationship between sentences, paragraphs and ideas.

Examiners are looking for a range of grammatical structure and vocabulary, so let them see what you are capable of. Use interesting and varied vocabulary and a variety of sentence structures including more complex ones.

There are several different types of Task 2 questions that can all be answered using the 4 or 5-paragraph structure.

Here are the  different kinds of questions:

1. Agree or Disagree 

Ex. Some people think that scientists experimenting with animals in a laboratory is the only way we can guarantee new products will be safe for human use. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

2. Advantages/Benefits outweigh Disadvantages/Drawbacks

Ex. In some countries, governments are encouraging industries and businesses to move to regional areas outside the big cities. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

3. Discuss two views plus your opinion

Ex. Some people say children no longer need to develop handwriting skills. Others believe that handwriting is still important. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

4. Discuss two views only (no opinion)

Ex. Many people believe that an effective public transport system is a key component of a modern city. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of public transport.

5. Causes/Problem and Solution

Ex. Crime rates tend to be higher in cities than in smaller towns. Explain some possible reasons for this problem and suggest some solutions.

6. Two questions/ two-part questions

Ex. To some people studying the past has little value in the modern world.  Why do you think it is important to do so? What will be the effect if children are not taught history?

7. Opinion

Ex. Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than other experiences we may have in life. Which do you consider to be the major influence?

Regardless of what they are asking you to write about, they can all be answered with two or three main body paragraphs (plus introduction and conclusion paragraphs). Go through each question and brainstorm you ideas and see how you would divide and organize your answer.

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