Contents
What is IELTS Writing Task 2?IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample QuestionIELTS Writing Task 2 Sample EssayKey Expressions and Structures1. Introduction Patterns2. Discussing Different Viewpoints3. Providing Examples4. Making Connections5. Expressing Opinion6. Drawing ConclusionsStudy Tips for Task 2 SuccessEssay StructureCommon Mistakes to AvoidTime ManagementPractice StrategiesWeekly Essay WritingVocabulary BuildingSelf-AssessmentSample Topics for PracticeKey Issues and Essential Vocabulary for Task 21. Environment and Climate Change2. Technology and Society3. Education Systems4. Urbanization and Housing5. Health and Lifestyle6. Globalization and CultureTopic-Specific Essay StructuresProblem-Solution Essays:Opinion Essays:Discussion Essays:Advanced Writing Techniques1. Developing Arguments:2. Counter-Arguments:3. Academic Phrases:FAQQ: What are the official requirements?Q: What happens if I write fewer than 250 words?Q: Which English variety is accepted?Q: What level of formality is required?Q: Is there a required essay structure?Q: What types of evidence can I use?Q: What are the official Task 2 question types?Q: What determines a Band 7 or higher?Q: How should I address the question?Q: Is there an official time allocation guide?Q: Are there formatting requirements?ConclusionWhat is IELTS Writing Task 2?
IELTS Writing Task 2 requires candidates to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. You'll need to write at least 250 words in 40 minutes, which accounts for 66% of your total writing score. The task evaluates your ability to:
- Present and justify opinions
- Develop coherent arguments
- Analyze problems and propose solutions
- Evaluate ideas and evidence
Common question types include:
- Discussion (discuss both views)
- Opinion (agree/disagree)
- Problem and solution
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Double question (two-part tasks)
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Question
In recent years, climate change has become a global concern. Some people believe individual actions like reducing plastic use and recycling can help address this issue, while others think only large-scale efforts by governments and corporations can make a real difference.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essay
The debate over the most effective approach to combat climate change has intensified, with some advocating for individual-level actions while others emphasize the necessity of institutional measures. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting a balanced view.
Those who support individual actions argue that collective personal efforts can create significant impact. When millions of people reduce their plastic consumption, opt for public transportation, or implement recycling practices, the cumulative effect becomes substantial. Furthermore, these individual choices often inspire others and create a ripple effect in communities, leading to broader behavioral changes.
However, proponents of institutional action contend that climate change is too vast and complex for individual solutions alone. They argue that without stringent government regulations on industrial emissions, corporate accountability, and massive infrastructure changes, personal efforts may be insufficient. For instance, just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions, suggesting that corporate policy changes could have far greater impact than individual actions.
In my opinion, both approaches are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. While individual actions demonstrate public commitment and create grassroots momentum, institutional measures provide the framework and scale necessary for meaningful change. The most effective strategy would combine bottom-up individual initiatives with top-down policy reforms.
Key Expressions and Structures
1. Introduction Patterns
- The debate over [issue] has intensified
- There are differing views on whether [topic]
- [Topic] has sparked considerable discussion
- A contentious issue that arises is whether
2. Discussing Different Viewpoints
- Advocates of [view] maintain that
- Proponents argue that
- Those who support [view] contend that
- Critics point out that
- On the other hand
- Conversely
3. Providing Examples
- For instance
- A case in point is
- This is exemplified by
- To illustrate this point
- As demonstrated by
4. Making Connections
- Furthermore
- Moreover
- Additionally
- In addition to
- What's more
5. Expressing Opinion
- In my view
- From my perspective
- It seems reasonable to conclude that
- The evidence suggests that
- Upon careful consideration
6. Drawing Conclusions
- In conclusion
- To conclude
- Overall
- Ultimately
- Taking everything into account
Study Tips for Task 2 Success
Essay Structure
- Introduction (40-50 words)
- Paraphrase the question
- Present your position
- Outline your approach
- Body Paragraphs (100-120 words each)
- Clear topic sentences
- Supporting evidence
- Examples
- Logical transitions
- Conclusion (40-50 words)
- Summarize main points
- Restate position
- Provide final thoughts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing too generally without specific examples
- Using informal language or contractions
- Presenting new ideas in conclusion
- Writing memorized essays
- Ignoring word count (aim for 250-300 words)
Time Management
- Reading and planning: 5 minutes
- Writing: 30 minutes
- Reviewing: 5 minutes
Practice Strategies
Weekly Essay Writing
- Choose varied topics
- Time yourself
- Review model answers
- Learn from mistakes
Vocabulary Building
- Create topic-specific word banks
- Practice using academic phrases
- Study collocations
- Review linking words
Self-Assessment
- Use IELTS marking criteria
- Record common mistakes
- Track improvement
- Seek feedback
Sample Topics for Practice
- Technology and Society
- Education Systems
- Environmental Issues
- Healthcare
- Urban Development
- Cultural Preservation
- Economic Inequality
- Media Influence
Key Issues and Essential Vocabulary for Task 2
1. Environment and Climate Change
Key Vocabulary:
- Environmental degradation
- Renewable energy sources
- Carbon footprint
- Sustainable development
- Biodiversity conservation
- Ecological balance
- Green initiatives
- Waste management
Common Arguments:
- Government regulations vs. individual responsibility
- Economic growth vs. environmental protection
- Renewable vs. traditional energy sources
2. Technology and Society
Key Vocabulary:
- Digital literacy
- Technological advancement
- Artificial intelligence
- Social media impact
- Digital divide
- Cybersecurity
- Innovation
- Automation
Common Arguments:
- Benefits vs. drawbacks of social media
- Technology's impact on employment
- Privacy concerns in the digital age
3. Education Systems
Key Vocabulary:
- Curriculum development
- Distance learning
- Academic achievement
- Vocational training
- Higher education
- Learning outcomes
- Educational reforms
- Student assessment
Common Arguments:
- Traditional vs. modern teaching methods
- Standardized testing effectiveness
- Role of technology in education
4. Urbanization and Housing
Key Vocabulary:
- Urban development
- Population density
- Infrastructure planning
- Public transportation
- Housing affordability
- Metropolitan areas
- Urban sprawl
- Gentrification
Common Arguments:
- City planning challenges
- Public vs. private transportation
- Housing crisis solutions
5. Health and Lifestyle
Key Vocabulary:
- Public healthcare
- Mental wellbeing
- Work-life balance
- Preventive medicine
- Healthcare accessibility
- Lifestyle diseases
- Medical innovations
- Health education
Common Arguments:
- Private vs. public healthcare
- Traditional vs. modern medicine
- Work-life balance importance
6. Globalization and Culture
Key Vocabulary:
- Cultural identity
- Global marketplace
- International trade
- Cultural preservation
- Cross-cultural communication
- Traditional values
- Cultural heritage
- Modernization
Common Arguments:
- Cultural preservation vs. modernization
- Benefits and drawbacks of globalization
- Impact on local traditions
Topic-Specific Essay Structures
Problem-Solution Essays:
- Introduction: Present the problem
- Problem analysis
- Potential solutions
- Evaluation of solutions
- Conclusion: Most viable solution
Opinion Essays:
- Introduction: State position
- Supporting argument 1
- Supporting argument 2
- Counterargument address
- Conclusion: Reinforce position
Discussion Essays:
- Introduction: Present both views
- View 1 with support
- View 2 with support
- Personal opinion
- Conclusion: Balanced summary
Advanced Writing Techniques
1. Developing Arguments:
- Start with clear topic sentences
- Support with evidence
- Provide specific examples
- Link back to main argument
2. Counter-Arguments:
- Acknowledge opposing views
- Present reasonable objections
- Respond with evidence
- Maintain respectful tone
3. Academic Phrases:
- Research indicates that...
- Studies have shown...
- It is widely accepted that...
- Evidence suggests that...
- Critics argue that...
- Proponents maintain that...
FAQ
Q: What are the official requirements?
- Minimum word count: 250 words
- Time allowed: 40 minutes
Q: What happens if I write fewer than 250 words?
- Writing fewer than 250 words will result in a score penalty.
Q: Which English variety is accepted?
- Both British and American English are acceptable, but consistency in usage is important.
Q: What level of formality is required?
- Academic writing conventions must be followed:
- No contractions
- No colloquial expressions
- No personal pronouns in most cases
- Appropriate academic vocabulary
Q: Is there a required essay structure?
- No specific paragraph structure is mandated, but essays must include:
- Clear introduction
- Coherent body paragraphs
- Definite conclusion
Q: What types of evidence can I use?
- You may use:
- Academic examples
- Statistical data
- Personal experience (when relevant)
- Historical references
- Current events
Q: What are the official Task 2 question types?
- Discussion essays
- Opinion essays
- Problem-solution essays
- Advantages-disadvantages essays
- Two-part question essays
Q: What determines a Band 7 or higher?
- Official band descriptors require:
- Clear progression of ideas
- Wide vocabulary range
- Complex sentence structures
- Minimal errors
- Relevant, well-developed response
Q: How should I address the question?
- Answer all parts of the question
- Maintain consistent position
- Support main ideas with examples
- Develop relevant ideas fully
Q: Is there an official time allocation guide?
- The only official time requirement is 40 minutes total. Task 2 should be prioritized as it carries more weight than Task 1.
Q: Are there formatting requirements?
- Legible handwriting
- Clear paragraph separation
- No bullet points or numbered lists
- No drawings or diagrams
Conclusion
Success in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires consistent practice, strong vocabulary, and clear organization. Focus on developing coherent arguments supported by specific examples, and always practice under timed conditions. Remember, high scores come from demonstrating both language proficiency and critical thinking skills.
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