Write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Spend 5 minutes planning, 30 writing and 5 checking. Use four paragraphs: an introduction that answers the question, two body paragraphs that each develop one main idea, and a short conclusion.
First, identify the essay type
Most Task 2 questions fall into one of five types. Misreading the type is the fastest way to lose Task Response marks.
| Type | The question usually says | What you must do |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" | Give a clear position and keep it throughout |
| Discuss both views | "Discuss both views and give your opinion." | Explain both sides, then state your own view |
| Advantages and disadvantages | "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" | Weigh them and reach a judgement |
| Problem and solution | "What are the causes and what can be done?" | Cover both parts of the question |
| Two-part question | Two separate direct questions | Answer both questions clearly |
A four-paragraph plan
- Introduction (2–3 sentences): paraphrase the topic, then answer the question directly. If it is an opinion essay, your position goes here.
- Body paragraph 1: one main idea, explained and supported with a specific example.
- Body paragraph 2: a second main idea (or the other side), explained and supported.
- Conclusion (1–2 sentences): restate your answer. No new ideas.
Each body paragraph should follow the same pattern: topic sentence, explanation, example, link back to the question. Examiners reward ideas that are developed, not ideas that are listed.
Why candidates stay at band 6
- Too many ideas, none developed. Four thin points score lower than two well-explained ones.
- An unclear position. In opinion essays, sitting on the fence costs Task Response marks.
- Memorised phrases. Examiners recognise template language, and it does not raise Lexical Resource.
- Under 250 words. Short essays are penalised.
- No time to check. Small grammar errors add up across a whole essay.
How to practise properly
Write one essay, get it marked against the band descriptors, rewrite it using the feedback, then write the next one. Ten essays done this way improve your band far more than thirty essays nobody marks. Writing is the one module where self-study rarely works, because you cannot see your own blind spots.
See our IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training programmes, or read how long IELTS preparation actually takes.
Frequently asked questions
How many words should an IELTS Task 2 essay be?
At least 250 words. Most strong essays are around 270 to 300 words; going much longer adds risk without adding marks.
How many paragraphs should I write?
Four works well for most questions: an introduction, two developed body paragraphs and a short conclusion.
Should I give my opinion in every Task 2 essay?
Only where the question asks for it, such as opinion and discuss-both-views essays. If it asks, your position should be clear in the introduction and conclusion.
Can I memorise essays for IELTS?
No. Examiners are trained to recognise memorised material, and it does not match the specific question, which lowers your Task Response score.
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Written by the Learning Bubble teaching team. If something here does not match your situation, ask us. We would rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.