If you’re preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 2, you’re probably wondering how to write an IELTS essay that meets examiner expectations and earns you a high band score. Writing an IELTS essay can be intimidating at first, especially if you’re aiming for a high band score. But with the right strategy, a clear understanding of what examiners look for, and regular practice, you can significantly improve your writing skills.
This comprehensive guide is designed to help you understand the different types of IELTS essays, learn how to structure your response, and apply writing techniques that impress the examiner. With practical steps, examples, and tips aligned with IELTS scoring criteria, you’ll be well-equipped to write a powerful essay under timed conditions.
What is IELTS Essay Writing (Task 2)?
IELTS Writing Task 2 asks you to write an academic-style essay in about 40 minutes. You’ll be given a topic and asked to write a minimum of 250 words. The essay assesses your ability to present a clear, relevant, and well-supported argument support it with evidence, and communicate clearly in English.
Unlike Task 1, which involves describing visual data (for Academic) or writing a letter (for General Training), Task 2 always requires an essay.
The essay contributes twice as much to your writing score as Task 1, so it is important to prepare well.
Again IELTS essay is not about showing off difficult vocabulary or memorised phrases. It’s about communicating ideas clearly and organising your thoughts logically.
You’re marked based on four key criteria:
- Task Response
- Coherence and Cohesion
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Your goal is to respond clearly and logically with well-supported points and good structure. So, it’s not just about what you write but how well you express and organise your ideas.
Types of IELTS Essay Questions
Knowing the type of essay you’re dealing with helps you structure your response properly. IELTS essays typically fall under five categories:
1. Opinion Essays (Agree or Disagree)
This type of question asks whether you agree or disagree with a given statement. Your opinion must be clear throughout the essay and supported with strong arguments.
Example: “Some people think the internet is a positive development, while others believe it has negative consequences. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
2. Discussion Essays (Discuss Both Views)
You’ll be asked to discuss two different views and state your opinion. Balance is key in these essays. Present both sides fairly and then give your own opinion.
Example: “Some believe parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others think this should be taught in schools. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
3. Problem and Solution Essays
Here you identify a problem related to a social or global issue, describe its effects, and suggest realistic solutions.
Example: “Many cities are facing severe traffic congestion. What are the causes of this, and what measures can be taken to reduce traffic in cities?”
4. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
You are required to examine both the positive and negative aspects of a situation. You may be asked to state your opinion as well.
Example:
“Some people say online learning is more effective than classroom learning. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.”
5. Direct Questions (Two-Part Questions)
This type features two separate questions about the topic. You must answer both clearly with explanations and examples.
Example: “Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed. Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?”
How IELTS Essays Are Scored
Examiners use four key criteria, each carrying equal weight:
- Task Response – Do you answer the question fully and clearly?
- Coherence and Cohesion – Is your essay logically organised with clear paragraphs?
- Lexical Resource – Do you use a wide range of vocabulary correctly?
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Do you use varied sentence structures and proper grammar?
How to Write an IELTS Essay (Step-by-Step)
Now let’s walk through the full process of writing a band 7+ IELTS essay.
1. Understand the Question
Read the question thoroughly and identify the type of essay. Underline keywords and determine what the examiner wants you to discuss. Check whether you’re being asked to give an opinion, discuss both sides, offer solutions, or answer multiple questions. Carefully read the task. Underline keywords such as “agree/disagree”, “advantages/disadvantages”, or “problems/solutions”. Identify what kind of response is expected.
Misinterpreting the question can seriously hurt your score.
2. Decide on Your Position or Main Ideas
Once you understand the question, form a clear opinion or viewpoint. If it’s a discussion or two-part question, map out both sides and decide what you agree or disagree with. You don’t need a strong emotional opinion—just a logical one.
3. Plan Your Essay (4–5 Minutes)
Effective planning saves time later. Decide:
- What will your introduction include?
- What are the main points for your body paragraphs?
- What examples can you use?
- How will you conclude?
Use a quick bullet-point outline. Don’t start writing without a plan—it’s a common mistake.
4. Write a Strong Introduction
The introduction sets the tone. Aim for 2–3 sentences:
- Paraphrase the question in your own words.
- Clearly state your main idea or opinion.
Avoid memorised phrases. Keep it natural and academic.
5. Write Clear Body Paragraphs (2–3 Paragraphs)
Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence, followed by explanations and examples.
Aim for two to three body paragraphs:
- Each should cover one main idea
- Use linking phrases like “For example,” “In contrast,” or “This means that…”
Stick to a logical structure and avoid repeating the same point.
- Start with a topic sentence
- Include supporting sentences
- Provide examples
- Link logically to the next paragraph
Structure:
- Topic Sentence
- Explanation
- Example
- Summary
Sample Paragraph:
Public transport is a more sustainable and cost-effective option for urban travel. It reduces the number of vehicles on the road, thereby cutting down emissions. For instance, in London, the use of the Underground helps reduce traffic jams, especially during peak hours.
6. Support Your Ideas with Examples
Examiners expect practical support for your arguments. Examples help demonstrate your understanding. You can invent examples if needed, but make sure they sound realistic and relevant.
For instance, instead of saying:
“Many people agree with this.”
Try:
“According to a recent survey conducted by a UK education body, over 60% of parents support financial education in schools.”
7. Use Cohesive Devices
Cohesion refers to how ideas connect. Use linking words and phrases naturally—not excessively.
Examples of cohesive devices:
- Addition: furthermore, in addition, also
- Contrast: however, although, on the other hand
- Reason: because, since, due to
- Result: therefore, thus, as a result
Don’t force these; use them to guide the reader smoothly.
8. Write a Clear Conclusion
Your conclusion should:
- Summarise your main ideas
- Restate your opinion (if needed)
- Avoid introducing new information
Keep it concise, usually 2–3 sentences. A clear conclusion shows good organisation and task completion.
9. Maintain Formal Academic Tone
Avoid slang, contractions, or overly casual expressions. Write in formal, academic English.
Use: “do not” instead of “don’t,” “children” instead of “kids,” “benefits” instead of “pros.”
Maintain a neutral tone and avoid emotional or opinionated language unless asked.
10. Use a Wide Range of Vocabulary
Repetition lowers your score in Lexical Resource. Use synonyms and varied expressions. However, don’t force difficult words—natural usage is key. Aim to use topic-specific words and synonyms to avoid repetition.
Example (Topic: Environment):
Instead of saying “pollution” repeatedly, also use: “contamination,” “harmful emissions,” “environmental degradation.”
This improves your lexical resource score.
11. Use a Variety of Sentence Structures
Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences. Use conditional statements, passive voice, and modal verbs where appropriate.
Example:
“If governments imposed stricter fines, fewer people would engage in illegal dumping.”
Grammar variety shows language mastery.
Practising under timed conditions will improve your speed and confidence.
12. Review and Edit Before Submitting
Always leave a few minutes to review your work. Look out for:
- Spelling errors
- Repeated words
- Missing words
- Grammar mistakes
A quick edit can make a big difference to your score.
Writing Each Section of the IELTS Essay
Introduction
Start by paraphrasing the question using synonyms. Then clearly state your position or outline the essay structure.
Example:
Original: “Some believe that students should study in groups while others prefer independent learning.”
Paraphrased: “It is often argued that group study is more effective than studying alone.”
Then state your opinion:
“This essay will examine both perspectives before arguing in favour of group learning.”
Body Paragraph 1
Focus on one main idea and support it with explanations, examples, or statistics. Begin with a clear topic sentence.
Example:
“One primary advantage of group study is the exchange of diverse ideas, which fosters deeper understanding.”
Avoid straying into unrelated ideas—stick to one main point per paragraph.
Body Paragraph 2
Present a contrasting idea or your second supporting point. Again, begin with a topic sentence and elaborate with examples or evidence.
Example:
“On the other hand, studying independently allows students to focus at their own pace, which can enhance concentration and retention.”
Ensure your points are logically ordered and connected with cohesive devices (however, moreover, in contrast, etc.).
Conclusion
Restate your position and summarise the main points briefly. Do not introduce new ideas here.
Example:
“Although self-study has its merits, group learning encourages collaboration and critical thinking. Therefore, it offers greater overall benefits to students.”
Tips for a High-Scoring IELTS Essay
1. Use a Variety of Vocabulary
Avoid repeating words or phrases. Use synonyms where appropriate, and demonstrate lexical range.
Examples:
- Instead of “good”, try “beneficial”, “effective”, or “advantageous”
- Instead of “bad”, try “detrimental”, “problematic”, or “ineffective”
However, only use words you are comfortable with—misusing advanced vocabulary can lower your score.
2. Maintain Grammatical Accuracy
Use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Avoid run-on sentences and grammatical errors. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and tenses.
Example:
Incorrect: “Student like to study in groups it help them.”
Correct: “Students like to study in groups as it helps them exchange ideas.”
3. Stay on Topic
Irrelevant points affect your Task Response score. Stick closely to the essay question and make sure each paragraph contributes to your main argument.
4. Don’t Overuse Idioms or Informal Language
While idiomatic expressions can enhance your writing, they must be used sparingly and appropriately. IELTS essays should maintain a formal academic tone.
Time Management During IELTS Exam
Spend your 40 minutes wisely:
- 5 minutes planning
- 30 minutes writing
- 5 minutes reviewing
During review, check for grammar errors, punctuation, and whether your ideas are logically connected.
Common Mistakes in IELTS Essay Writing
Here are some frequent pitfalls you should avoid:
1. Going off-topic
Stick to what the question asks. No matter how good your English is, irrelevant content will lose marks.
2. Overuse of complex vocabulary
Use a wide range of vocabulary, but don’t sacrifice clarity for sophistication.
3. Poor time management
Don’t spend too long on planning. Leave time to write and check.
4. No examples
Supporting your points with real or hypothetical examples adds strength to your arguments.
5. Not answering all parts of the question
Make sure every part is addressed
6. Writing fewer than 250 words
You will lose marks if your essay is too short.
7. Memorised phrases
Examiners recognise memorised content, and it may hurt your score.
8. Lack of paragraphing
Use proper structure with clear paragraphs.
9. Poor spelling and punctuation
These small errors can add up and reduce your band score.
Example of IELTS Essay (Band 9 Model)
Question: Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others believe there are better ways to reduce crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answer:
Crime is a persistent issue in many societies. While some argue that increasing the length of prison sentences is the most effective deterrent, others advocate for alternative measures such as education and rehabilitation.
On the one hand, longer prison terms may discourage people from committing crimes due to fear of harsher punishment. This can act as a short-term solution to reduce serious offences. For instance, countries with strict sentencing laws like Singapore have relatively low crime rates.
On the other hand, many crimes are committed due to poverty, lack of education, or substance abuse. Addressing these root causes through social programs, better education, and support for mental health may provide a long-term solution. Norway’s emphasis on rehabilitation over punishment has shown positive results.
In my view, while prison serves its purpose, more sustainable crime reduction comes from investing in people’s development.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1: Can I use personal opinions or examples in IELTS essays?
Yes. In fact, real-life or hypothetical examples can strengthen your essay, especially in Opinion or Problem/Solution essays.
2: How long should my essay be?
Your essay must be at least 250 words. There’s no maximum word count, but aim for 260–290 words to be safe.
3: Is it okay to use informal language?
No. IELTS essays require a formal tone. Avoid contractions like “can’t” or “won’t”.
4: Will spelling affect my score?
Yes, especially if you’re taking the test in the UK or Commonwealth countries. Use British spellings: “colour,” not “color.”
5: Can I use bullet points or headings?
No. IELTS essays must be written in full paragraphs without subheadings or bullet points.
6: How many paragraphs should my essay have?
Usually four to five:
- Introduction
- Two or three body paragraphs
- Conclusion
Conclusion: Mastering How to Write an IELTS Essay
Learning how to write an IELTS essay is about practice, structure, and strategy. Writing an IELTS essay doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you understand the structure, types of questions, and techniques for expressing your ideas clearly, your confidence will grow. Remember to practise regularly, review model essays, and aim for clarity over complexity.
By following the tips in this article, you’ll not only improve your writing skills but also increase your chances of achieving a band 7 or higher in IELTS Writing Task 2.
