TOEFL iBT & IELTS Academic · TOEFL & IELTS English Skills
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
Writing an essay discussing a point of view, argument or problem.
Five concepts — IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 as a formal essay of at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. It carries twice the weight of Task 1, so thesis fit, paragraph depth and the four band criteria matter more than filling the page.
- TOEFL iBT & IELTS Academic
- Hard level
- 5 concepts
- 5 practice questions
1Four prompt shapes, four different jobs
Task 2 asks for a formal essay responding to one of four common prompt shapes: opinion ("To what extent do you agree or disagree?"), discussion ("Discuss both views and give your opinion"), problem–solution ("What problems… and what solutions…?"), or a two-part question (two direct questions in one prompt).
Misreading the shape is a Task Response failure before you write a word — an opinion prompt that only surveys other people's views never states your position, and a discussion prompt that covers only one side leaves half the task unanswered.
Figure. Four prompt shapes demand four jobs. An opinion essay that only surveys other views, or a discussion that covers one side, fails Task Response before style matters.
| Prompt shape | Typical stem cue | Must deliver |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | To what extent do you agree/disagree? | A clear position stated and maintained |
| Discussion | Discuss both views and give your opinion | Both sides plus your own stance |
| Problem–solution | What problems… and solutions…? | Problems (with cause) and realistic solutions |
| Two-part | Two direct questions in one prompt | A direct answer to each question |
Prompt: "Some people think university should be free; others think students should pay. Discuss both views and give your opinion." The essay must
- Argue only for free university with two supporting reasons
- Cover both views and clearly state where you stand
- List problems caused by tuition fees and propose one solution
"Discuss both views and give your opinion" is the discussion shape: both sides plus your stance. Arguing only one side leaves a view unanswered. Problems-and-solutions is a different prompt class.
2State a position and keep it consistent
On an opinion prompt, the introduction paraphrases the question and states a clear thesis — how far you agree or disagree — and every body paragraph and the conclusion stay on that same side. Sitting on the fence ("there are advantages and disadvantages") without a decided stance is the classic Task Response trap.
On a discussion prompt you still need a stance, but only after both views have been treated fairly. Answer every part of the prompt; ignoring one view or one of two questions is heavily penalised on Task Response.
Figure. On an opinion prompt, state how far you agree and keep every paragraph on that side. Sitting on the fence without a decided stance is the classic Task Response trap.
Lock the thesis before you draft
- Name the shapeOpinion, discussion, problem–solution, or two-part — that decides what "addressing the task" means.
- Write one thesis lineOne sentence that states your position (or, for discussion, that you will weigh both views and then take a side).
- Check every partTick each demand in the prompt (both views? both questions? problems and solutions?) before you invent body ideas.
- Guard the closeThe conclusion restates the same position; it does not introduce a new argument or flip sides.
Prompt: "To what extent do you agree or disagree that children should start school very early?" Which introduction thesis fits the task?
- "There are both advantages and disadvantages to early schooling."
- "I largely agree that early schooling benefits children, for two main reasons."
- "This essay will discuss education in general."
An agree/disagree prompt needs a clear position. "Largely agree… for two main reasons" states extent and foreshadows development. A pure advantages/disadvantages line sits on the fence; a vague "education in general" thesis never answers the prompt.
3One idea per body paragraph, fully developed
A reliable Academic Task 2 frame is Introduction (paraphrase + thesis) → two body paragraphs → Conclusion (restate the position, no new ideas). Each body paragraph owns one main idea: topic sentence, explanation, and a specific, plausible example.
Depth beats breadth. Examiners reward a few ideas extended with reasons and a concrete example more than a long list of undeveloped points. The conclusion only restates; new arguments there look like unfinished planning.
Figure. Depth beats breadth: two fully developed body paragraphs outscore a long list of undeveloped points. The conclusion only restates — new arguments there look like unfinished planning.
Build one body paragraph
- Topic sentenceState the single claim this paragraph will prove — not a second claim in the same sentence.
- ExplainSay why the claim holds in general terms linked to the thesis.
- ExemplifyAdd one specific, plausible example (a school, workplace, or policy case), not another undeveloped bullet.
- StopDo not open a second main idea in the same paragraph; save it for Body 2.
Which body-paragraph plan is stronger for Task 2?
- Five short claims about early schooling, each in one sentence with no example
- One claim (early schooling builds social skills), explained, then a nursery sharing example
- Two unrelated claims and a conclusion sentence that introduces a third new idea
One developed idea with explanation and a concrete example matches the paragraph job. A list of five undeveloped claims is breadth without depth. A conclusion that adds a new idea breaks the "no new arguments in the close" rule.
4Four band criteria, equal billing
Examiners mark Academic Writing Task 2 on four criteria: Task Response (address every part with a clear, consistent position and developed ideas), Coherence and Cohesion (logical organisation and clear linking), Lexical Resource (range and accuracy of vocabulary), and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
A fluent, elegant essay that never answers the prompt still loses on Task Response. Likewise, accurate grammar cannot rescue undeveloped ideas or a missing view on a discussion question — each criterion can pull the band down on its own.
Figure. Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy share the mark. Elegant prose that never answers the prompt still loses on Task Response.
| Criterion | Looks for | Common miss |
|---|---|---|
| Task Response | All parts answered; clear position; ideas developed | Ignoring one view or sitting on the fence |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Logical paragraphing; clear links between ideas | Random point order; overused or missing linkers |
| Lexical Resource | Precise, varied vocabulary; controlled word choice | Repetition; informal slang in a formal essay |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Mix of structures with controlled accuracy | Only short simple sentences, or frequent errors |
An essay is well organised and accurate but answers only one of two questions in a two-part prompt. The main band risk is
- Lexical Resource — vocabulary must be more academic
- Task Response — not every part of the prompt was addressed
- Coherence & Cohesion — linkers were not used
Leaving one of two questions unanswered is a Task Response failure even when organisation and grammar look strong. Lexical Resource and Coherence are not the stated defect in the stem.
5Plan first; protect the 250-word / 40-minute budget
Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 in the Writing score, so it deserves the larger share of the 60-minute Writing hour — about 40 minutes and at least 250 words. Under-length answers and unfinished conclusions are avoidable Task Response wounds.
Spend three to five minutes planning the thesis and two main body ideas before drafting. Leave a few minutes at the end to check grammar, spelling and that the conclusion still matches the introduction.
Figure. Task 2 carries twice the Writing weight, so it deserves about forty minutes and at least 250 words. Plan the thesis and two body ideas before drafting; leave minutes to check the close still matches the open.
Use the 40 minutes
- Plan (3–5 min)Thesis line + two body ideas with a rough example each — enough to protect coherence before sentences begin.
- Draft (~30 min)Write intro, two developed bodies, and a short conclusion; aim past 250 words without padding empty lists.
- Check (last few minutes)Confirm every prompt part is covered, the conclusion matches the thesis, then fix obvious grammar and spelling.
Compared with Academic Writing Task 1, Task 2
- Carries the same weight, so split the hour evenly without planning
- Carries twice the weight, so it deserves roughly 40 minutes and a short plan first
- Is optional if Task 1 is long enough
Task 2 is weighted double Task 1, so ~40 minutes with a brief plan is the practical budget. Equal split ignores the weighting. Task 2 is not optional.
Notes
- The Task: Task 2 requires a formal essay of at least 250 words in about 40 minutes, responding to a prompt (opinion, discussion, problem-solution, or two-part question). It carries twice the weight of Task 1, so it deserves more time.
- Answer the Exact Question: Identify the essay type. 'To what extent do you agree/disagree?' needs a clear position throughout; 'Discuss both views and give your opinion' needs both sides plus your stance; 'What problems... and solutions?' needs both problems and solutions.
- Four Scoring Criteria: Examiners mark on Task Response (addressing all parts with a clear position), Coherence & Cohesion (logical organisation and linking), Lexical Resource (range/accuracy of vocabulary), and Grammatical Range & Accuracy.
- Essay Structure: A reliable structure is Introduction (paraphrase + clear thesis) → two body paragraphs (each with a topic sentence, explanation, and specific example) → Conclusion (restate your position, no new ideas).
- Develop Ideas Fully: Each body paragraph should extend one main idea with reasons and a concrete example rather than listing many undeveloped points. Depth beats breadth for a higher band.
Formulas
- Essay structure: Intro (paraphrase + thesis) → Body 1 (topic sentence + explain + example) → Body 2 (same) → Conclusion (restate).
- Opinion essay: state your position in the intro and maintain it consistently to the conclusion.
- Discussion essay: Body 1 = view A, Body 2 = view B, then give and justify your own opinion.
- Problem-solution essay: Body 1 = problem(s) with cause, Body 2 = realistic solution(s).
- Cohesion devices: firstly, moreover, however, on the other hand, for instance, in conclusion.
- Word/time rule: write 250+ words in ~40 minutes and leave a few minutes to check grammar.
Exam traps & shortcuts
- Spend 3-5 minutes planning your thesis and two main ideas before writing — a clear plan boosts coherence and task response.
- Answer every part of the prompt; a discussion question ignoring one view is heavily penalised on Task Response.
- Support each point with a specific, plausible example; developed ideas score higher than long lists of shallow points.
- Keep the conclusion opinion-consistent and introduce no new arguments; then proofread for grammar and spelling.
Reference tables
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length / time | ≥ 250 words; about 40 minutes (Writing hour is 60) |
| Weight vs Task 1 | Task 2 counts twice as much |
| Reliable frame | Intro (paraphrase + thesis) → Body 1 → Body 2 → Conclusion |
| Opinion essay | State position in the intro; keep it to the end |
| Discussion essay | Body 1 = view A; Body 2 = view B; then justify your stance |
| Problem–solution | Body 1 = problem(s) with cause; Body 2 = realistic solution(s) |
| Cohesion cues | firstly, moreover, however, on the other hand, for instance, in conclusion |
| Four criteria | Task Response · Coherence & Cohesion · Lexical Resource · Grammatical Range & Accuracy |
Recap
Pin these before you walk into the Writing hour.
- Shape first
- Opinion, discussion, problem–solution, or two-part — misreading the shape fails Task Response before drafting.
- Thesis
- State a clear position (and keep it); discussion still needs both views plus your stance.
- Paragraph job
- One idea per body: topic sentence → explain → specific example. Depth beats a list.
- Four criteria
- Fluent grammar cannot save an unanswered prompt part.
- Budget
- Task 2 is double Task 1 — plan 3–5 minutes, write ~40 minutes, leave a check pass.
Practise IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
Reading is free and needs no account. Practice, mocks and progress live in the app.
- 5 exam-style questions on this topic, with explanations
- A 5-question practice set that ends the chapter
- Timed mocks scored with the real marking scheme
- Readiness tracked per topic, kept on your device