
What is Writing Task 2?
IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second and more heavily weighted task in the IELTS writing section, accounting for approximately 66% of your total writing marks. This applies to both the IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic tests. You’ll be required to write a 250-word essay within 40 minutes. Your work will be assessed based on four key criteria:
- Task Response – 25%
- Vocabulary – 25%
- Grammatical Accuracy – 25%
- Coherence and Cohesion – 25%
IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Scores
Assessing Elements and Their Descriptions
Criteria | Band 5 | Band 6 | Band 7 | Band 8 |
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Task Response | The task is addressed vaguely with general ideas but lacks specifics. Opening and closing passages are unclear. | Topics are addressed but may lack clarity. Main ideas are relevant but supporting ideas are weak. | All issues are addressed. Opinions are clear, and reasoning is mostly well-supported. | All issues and questions are clearly addressed. Opinions are consistently supported by relevant examples. |
Coherence & Cohesion | Paragraphs lack structure, vocabulary is unsuitable, and there’s repetition due to limited ideas. | Information is organized into paragraphs. Linking devices are used but not always effectively. | Paragraphs are well-organized with a clear central idea. Linking devices are used effectively, though occasionally overused. | Paragraphs are excellently structured, with precise and varied linking devices. |
Lexical Resource | Minimal vocabulary with spelling errors and improper word formations. | Fair vocabulary range with fewer spelling and word usage errors. | Good range with some uncommon words and minor spelling errors. | Wide vocabulary range with accurate use of uncommon words and rare errors. |
Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Limited sentence structures, frequent grammar errors, and poorly constructed sentences. | Simple and complex sentences are used with limited errors. | Ample complex sentences with occasional grammar and punctuation errors. | Variety of complex sentence structures with minimal grammar or punctuation issues. |
Task Response Tips
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Plan Your Key Points
Take a few minutes to read and understand the question thoroughly. Plan the key points you want to include in your essay to avoid missing critical elements or going off track.
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Stick to the Word Limit
Ensure your essay has at least 250 words. Falling short can result in marks being deducted. Use concise yet meaningful sentences to stay within the limit.
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Address All Issues in the Question
Understand the question completely and make sure you address every part of it in your essay. Missing key points can negatively affect your score.
Vocabulary Tips
Practicing your vocabulary is essential to expand your word usage and ensure accuracy by avoiding spelling mistakes. Here are a few helpful tips:
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Avoid Spelling Mistakes
Spelling errors can hurt your score. Practice regularly and pay attention to commonly misspelled words. Tools like spell checkers can help during preparation.
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Use a Range of Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary by learning less common words and understanding their proper usage. This enhances your essay’s quality and readability.
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Master Collocations
Collocations are word pairings that naturally go together, like “strong coffee” instead of “powerful coffee.” Learn these combinations through reading and practice to enhance your language skills.
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Avoid Informal Language
Stick to formal and respectful language in your essay. Avoid slang or conversational phrases that could make your writing seem less professional.
Grammatical Accuracy Tips
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Avoid Basic Errors
Ensure clarity in grammar by understanding verbs, nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. Basic errors can lower your score significantly.
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Use Correct Punctuation
Punctuation is crucial for conveying meaning. Practice using commas, full stops, and question marks correctly in your sentences.
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Match Verb Tenses to Context
Verb tenses should align with the timeline described in your essay. For example, use past tense for historical events and future tense for predictions.
Coherence and Cohesion Tips
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Follow a Proper Structure
Your essay should have a clear structure with four to five paragraphs: an introduction, two or three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
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Organize Your Content
Write a brief introduction summarizing your key points. Use body paragraphs to elaborate on each point, and conclude with a summary of your argument or opinion.
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Use Transition Words
Connect your sentences and paragraphs with transition words like “however,” “for instance,” and “in addition.” This helps maintain a smooth flow throughout your essay.
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