IELTS Writing Task 2: a structure that works for every question type

IELTS Writing has two tasks in 60 minutes. Task 2 is a 250-word essay, carries twice the marks of Task 1, and should get 40 of your 60 minutes. Many candidates spend too long on Task 1 and then rush the task that matters more.

The four criteria

Each is worth 25%: Task Response (did you answer the actual question, fully), Coherence and Cohesion (structure and linking), Lexical Resource (vocabulary), Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

Notice that only half your mark is about language at all. The other half is about whether you answered the question and organised the answer — which is why a candidate with modest English and a clear structure often outscores one with better English and none.

The five question types

Reading the question type wrong is the most expensive mistake available, because it damages Task Response, which is 25% on its own.

1. Opinion (To what extent do you agree?) — take one position and hold it.
2. Discussion (Discuss both views and give your opinion) — you must do all three things.
3. Problem / solution (What problems... what solutions?) — both halves, balanced.
4. Advantages / disadvantages — check whether it also asks if advantages outweigh.
5. Two-part question — two direct questions; answer both explicitly.

Underline the instruction words before writing. An excellent essay that discusses both views when asked only for your opinion still loses marks.

The structure

Introduction (2 sentences). Paraphrase the question, then state your position or what the essay will cover. Do not write background waffle — In today's modern world, technology is everywhere earns nothing and costs time.

Body paragraph 1 (~90 words). One main idea. Topic sentence, explanation, example, link back to the question.

Body paragraph 2 (~90 words). A second, different main idea. Same shape.

Conclusion (2 sentences). Restate your position in different words. Add nothing new.

Two body paragraphs, each with one idea developed properly, beats four paragraphs with four undeveloped ideas. Development is what Task Response measures.

Where Malayalam speakers lose marks

Articles. The single most-marked error in Indian candidates' writing. See a, an and the.

Memorised phrases. It is a burning issue of the modern era is recognised instantly and lowers Lexical Resource rather than raising it.

Under-length. Below 250 words is penalised automatically. Count your average words per line once, then count lines in the exam.

All simple sentences. Grammatical Range is half that criterion. Deliberately include some complex sentences — Although…, which means that…, If governments were to….

Formal register slips. No contractions, no etc., no &, no bullet points.

How to practise

Write one essay a week, timed at 40 minutes, and get it marked by someone who knows the band descriptors. Unmarked practice mostly rehearses your existing errors.

Between essays, practise only introductions — ten of them, five minutes each. It is the highest-leverage drill because it forces you to identify the question type every time.

LangVR and Brets English mark writing against the descriptors — see the courses. For what band you need, see IELTS band scores explained.