Task 2 carries more weight
Academic Writing Task 2 requires a formal essay of at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Although Task 1 and Task 2 are marked separately, Task 2 contributes twice the weight to your Writing band. Strong Task 2 performance is essential.
Prompts address general academic topics: education, technology, environment, health, society, work.
Identify the essay type first
Misreading the task type destroys Task Response. Common formats:
| Type | Question pattern | Your job |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | To what extent do you agree? | Clear position + support |
| Discussion | Discuss both views and give your opinion | Both sides + your view |
| Problem–solution | What problems… what solutions… | Problems + solutions |
| Advantages/disadvantages | Do advantages outweigh…? | Weigh both sides |
| Two-part question | Two direct questions | Answer both parts |
Underline instruction words before planning.
Thesis clarity in the introduction
Introduction (2–3 sentences):
- Background — paraphrase topic (one sentence)
- Thesis — your direct answer to the task
- Optional roadmap — outline body direction
Weak thesis: Technology is important.
Strong thesis: Although technology can isolate users, I believe its benefits for education and healthcare outweigh these drawbacks.
Body paragraph structure
Use PEEL:
- Point — topic sentence answering part of the thesis
- Explain — develop the idea
- Example — concrete illustration (country, study, hypothetical case)
- Link — tie back to question or lead to next paragraph
Two body paragraphs minimum; three often safer for 250+ words.
Discussion essay balance
Allocate one paragraph to each view, then a paragraph (or integrated conclusion) for your opinion. Do not hide your view until the last line unless the question allows — examiners want clarity throughout.
Problem–solution ordering
Either structure works if logical:
- Body 1: problems → Body 2: solutions
- Or paired paragraphs: problem A + solution A
Ensure solutions address stated problems.
Timing inside 40 minutes
| Phase | Minutes |
|---|---|
| Analyse prompt + plan | 5–7 |
| Write introduction + body | 28–30 |
| Conclusion | 3–4 |
| Check grammar/spelling | 2–3 |
Never skip planning — unfocused essays lose coherence marks.
Formal register
Avoid contractions (don't → do not), slang, and overly emotional language. You may use I in opinion essays. Do not invent statistics (studies show 73%) — use general examples instead.
Conclusion rules
No new major ideas. Restate thesis in fresh words and summarise main lines of argument. One paragraph, 2–3 sentences.
Self-review checklist
- Did I answer every part of the prompt?
- Is my position clear from introduction onward?
- At least 250 words?
- One idea per paragraph with examples?
Official reference
Academic Writing Task 2 — IELTS Academic test format.