IELTS WRITING
IELTS Writing Task 2,
planned in five minutes.
In short: Task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words that responds to a point of view, argument or problem. Spend about 40 minutes on it: 5 minutes planning, 30 writing, 5 checking. Use four paragraphs (introduction with your position, two body paragraphs each with one main idea, a short conclusion), answer every part of the question, and keep your position clear from start to finish. Task 2 counts for more of your Writing band than Task 1.
Updated 26 October 2026 · Trestle editorial team, Qoodly
Key takeaways
- At least 250 words in about 40 minutes; Task 2 counts for more than Task 1.
- Identify the question type first; it decides your paragraphs.
- One clear position, one main idea per body paragraph, supported by an explanation and an example.
- Examiners score Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy equally.
The five common question types
| Type | Typical wording | Your plan |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | To what extent do you agree or disagree? | State your position in the introduction and support it in both body paragraphs. |
| Discussion | Discuss both views and give your own opinion. | One paragraph per view; make your own opinion clear. |
| Advantages / disadvantages | Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? | Weigh both sides and say which is greater. |
| Problem / solution | What are the causes and what can be done? | One paragraph for causes or problems, one for solutions. |
| Two-part question | Why is this happening? Is it positive? | Answer each question in its own paragraph. |
A four-paragraph structure
- Introduction (2–3 sentences)Paraphrase the topic and state your position or what the essay will do.
- Body paragraph 1Topic sentence with one main idea, explanation, example, link back to the question.
- Body paragraph 2Second main idea, or the other view in a discussion essay, with the same pattern.
- Conclusion (1–2 sentences)Restate your position clearly. No new ideas.
Example plan
Some people think universities should provide only the knowledge needed for a job. Others believe their purpose is wider. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- Position: universities should prepare students for work, but their main value is broader thinking.
- Body 1 (job-focused view): rising fees and graduate unemployment; example: internships built into degrees.
- Body 2 (wider purpose + my view): critical thinking, research and adaptability outlast specific skills; example: graduates changing careers.
- Conclusion: both matter, but a narrow, job-only degree would leave graduates less adaptable.
Band 7 checklist
- Every part of the question is answered and your position is clear throughout.
- Each paragraph has one central idea with a clear topic sentence.
- Ideas are linked naturally; linking words are used accurately, not mechanically.
- Less common vocabulary is used precisely; no memorised phrases that don’t fit.
- A mix of simple and complex sentences, with most sentences free of errors.
- At least 250 words, checked for articles, plurals, subject–verb agreement and tense.
What lowers your score
- Writing about the topic in general instead of answering the exact question.
- Memorised introductions and conclusions that don’t match the essay.
- Lists of linking words ("Firstly… Secondly… Moreover…") without real connections.
- Running out of time and leaving the conclusion unfinished.
Questions
How many words should an IELTS Task 2 essay be?
At least 250 words. Writing a little more is fine, but quality matters more than length; very long essays often contain more errors.
How long should I spend on Task 2?
About 40 minutes of the 60-minute Writing test, leaving about 20 minutes for Task 1. Task 2 counts for more of your Writing band.
How many paragraphs should a Task 2 essay have?
Four or five paragraphs work best: an introduction, two or three body paragraphs and a conclusion.
Can I use memorised templates?
Examiners notice memorised language that doesn’t fit the question. Learn a structure, not sentences.
Sources
Formats and scores can change. Confirm the details for your test date with the test maker before you book.
Trestle is independent practice by Qoodly. It is not affiliated with, endorsed or approved by ETS or the IELTS partners. TOEFL, TOEFL iBT and TOEFL ITP are registered trademarks of ETS. IELTS is a registered trademark of the British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.