IELTS Writing Part 2 is a critical component of the IELTS exam, representing about two-thirds of the overall writing score. Mastering this section can feel overwhelming with its strict time limits, diverse question types, and complex marking criteria. It requires you to compose a clear, well-structured formal essay within a specified time limit, responding to a statement, argument, opinion, or problem on a given topic.
Whether you're planning to study abroad, immigrate, or advance your career, achieving your target band score in this crucial section is essential. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about IELTS Part 2 Writing, from understanding the format to implementing winning strategies that have helped thousands of test-takers succeed.
What is IELTS Writing Part 2?
Writing IELTS Part 2 is an essay-writing assessment that evaluates your ability to present, develop, and support arguments on a given topic. You'll have 40 minutes to write at least 250 words in response to a prompt presenting a point of view, argument, or problem.
This task carries significant weight; it accounts for 66% of your total Writing score, making it more important than Task 1. The essay must demonstrate your capacity to organise ideas coherently, use appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and address all parts of the question effectively.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Minimum Word Count: 250 words (aim for 270-290 words)
Writing Style: Formal academic English
Task Weight: 66% of your Writing score
Test Format: Available in both paper-based and computer-delivered versions
What is the IELTS Writing Part 2 Format
The IELTS Writing section contains two tasks:
- Task 1: Writing a report based on visual information (Academic) or a letter (General Training).
- Task 2: Writing an essay responding to a prompt involving a point of view, argument, or problem (Similar for both IELTS Writing Task 2 Academic and General Training).
Understanding the 5 Types of IELTS Writing Part 2 Essays
Recognising the essay type is the foundation of a high-scoring response. Each question type demands a specific approach and structure. Let's explore the five main categories:
1. Opinion Essays (Agree/Disagree)
These prompts ask you to express and justify your viewpoint on a statement.
Example: "Some people believe that technology has made our lives more complicated. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
Structure Approach:
- Introduction: Paraphrase the question and state your clear position
- Body Paragraph 1: First main reason supporting your opinion with examples
- Body Paragraph 2: Second main reason supporting your opinion with examples
- Conclusion: Restate your position and summarise key points
2. Discussion Essays (Discuss Both Views)
IELTS Writing Task 2 questions present two opposing viewpoints and ask you to discuss both sides, often with your own opinion.
Example: "Some people think parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others believe schools should take this responsibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion."
Structure Approach:
- Introduction: Paraphrase the question and briefly introduce both perspectives
- Body Paragraph 1: Explain the first viewpoint with supporting reasons and examples
- Body Paragraph 2: Explain opposing viewpoint with supporting reasons and examples
- Conclusion: Summarise both views and clearly state your own position
3. Advantages and Disadvantages Essays
These prompts ask you to analyse both the benefits and drawbacks of a situation, sometimes requesting your opinion on which outweighs the other.
Example: "More students are choosing to study abroad for their higher education. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?"
Structure Approach:
- Introduction: Paraphrase the question and indicate you'll discuss both sides
- Body Paragraph 1: Present 2-3 advantages with explanations and examples
- Body Paragraph 2: Present 2-3 disadvantages with explanations and examples
- Conclusion: Summarise main points and state your opinion if required
4. Problem-Solution Essays
These questions describe an issue and ask you to identify causes, effects, or solutions.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Example: "Many cities face severe traffic congestion. What are the causes of this problem, and what solutions can be implemented?"
Structure Approach:
- Introduction: Paraphrase the question and indicate you'll address causes and solutions
- Body Paragraph 1: Identify 2-3 main causes with explanations
- Body Paragraph 2: Propose 2-3 realistic solutions with supporting details
- Conclusion: Summarise the problem and recommended solutions
5. Direct Question Essays (Two-Part Questions)
These prompts present two distinct questions that must both be answered thoroughly.
Example: "Why do people pursue higher education? What benefits does it bring to society?"
Structure Approach:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic
- Body Paragraph 1: Answer the first question comprehensively with examples
- Body Paragraph 2: Answer the second question comprehensively with examples
- Conclusion: Briefly summarise answers to both questions
The 4 Marking Criteria: What Examiners Really Look For
|
Marking Criterion (25% each) |
Band 8–9 Requirements |
|
1. Task Response |
• Fully address every part of the question • Present a well-developed and nuanced position • Consistently relevant, highly detailed ideas• Strong evidence and support |
|
2. Coherence & Cohesion |
• Smooth, seamless flow of ideas • Cohesive devices used naturally (not mechanical) • Sophisticated paragraphing and logical unity |
|
3. Lexical Resource |
• Wide vocabulary used flexibly & precisely • Sophisticated collocations & topic vocabulary • Only occasional ‘slip’ errors |
|
4. Grammatical Range & Accuracy |
• Wide range of advanced structures • High accuracy and flexibility • Mostly error-free sentences; only minor slips |
Step-by-Step Strategy for IELTS Writing Part 2
|
Step |
What To Do |
How To Do It |
|
1. Understand the Question (1–2 min) |
Correctly identify task requirements |
• Highlight keywords & instruction verbs • Identify essay type • Ensure all parts of the task will be covered |
|
2. Plan Your Essay |
Organise ideas before writing |
• Brainstorm 2–3 ideas per paragraph • Choose relevant examples • Decide your position (if needed) • Create a simple outline |
|
3. Write Introduction |
Set up the essay clearly |
• Paraphrase the question • Add thesis (your position / what you’ll discuss) • 40–50 words |
|
4. Body Paragraph 1 |
Present the first main idea fully |
• Clear topic sentence • Explanation + example • 7–9 sentences |
|
5. Body Paragraph 2 |
Present the second main idea |
• Topic sentence • Explanation + example • 7–9 sentences |
|
6. Conclusion |
Summarise and restate the position |
• Summarise key points • Restate opinion (if needed) • 30–40 words |
|
7. Review & Edit |
Polish for accuracy and clarity |
• Fix spelling, grammar, punctuation • Check position consistency • Word count: 270–290 |
How to Write a Band 9 Content
Your introduction sets the tone and demonstrates your understanding of the task. A strong introduction includes:
1. Paraphrasing the question (showing lexical resource)
2. Stating your thesis/position (addressing task response)
3. Outlining main points (optional but helpful for coherence)
Crafting Powerful Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph should follow the PEEL structure:
P - Point: Topic sentence stating your main idea
E - Explain: Elaborate on your point
E - Example: Provide specific, relevant examples
L - Link: Connect back to the question or transition to the next paragraph
Writing Effective Conclusions
Your conclusion should synthesise your argument without introducing new ideas.
Essential Elements:
- Restate your position using different wording
- Summarise your main points briefly
- Provide a final thought or implication (optional)
|
Paragraph |
Purpose |
Content Example |
|
Introduction |
Introduce the topic, paraphrase the question, and state your thesis. |
“This essay will discuss both views and argue that…” |
|
Main Body 1 |
Present the first argument or view with examples. |
“One reason why… is because…” |
|
Main Body 2 |
Present the contrasting argument or additional points with examples. |
“Conversely, some people believe…” |
|
Conclusion |
Summarise key points and restate your position. |
“In conclusion, despite the advantages of… I firmly believe that…” |
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Insufficient Word Count: Write at least 250 words; aim for around 270-280 to be safe.
- Poor Task Response: Answer every part of the question clearly and directly.
- Lack of Coherence: Organise paragraphs logically and use linking words judiciously.
- Grammar and Vocabulary Errors: Identify and fix recurring mistakes; using high-level vocabulary does not guarantee higher scores if inaccurate.
- Overusing Personal Pronouns: Use “I” or “my” sparingly and maintain a formal tone unless specifically asked for your opinion.
- Writing Informally: Avoid contractions, slang, idioms, and overly casual expressions.
Essential Vocabulary for 9 IELTS Writing Scores
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
Education:
- Curricula (plural of curriculum)
- Pedagogical approaches
- Literacy rates
- Vocational training
- Academic attainment
- Tertiary education
- Holistic development
- Standardised testing
Environment:
- Ecological footprint
- Sustainability
- Carbon emissions
- Biodiversity loss
- Renewable energy
- Climate mitigation
- Environmental degradation
- Ecosystem services
Technology:
- Digital transformation
- Artificial intelligence
- Automation
- Cybersecurity
- Information technology infrastructure
- Technological advancement
- Digital divide
- Virtual connectivity
Society & Work:
- Social cohesion
- Economic disparity
- Work-life balance
- Professional development
- Labour market
- Civic engagement
- Social mobility
- Cultural diversity
Power Phrases for Academic Writing
Expressing Opinion:
- From my perspective, ...
- It is my conviction that...
- I am inclined to believe that...
- In my considered opinion, ...
Presenting Arguments:
- It is widely acknowledged that...
- Evidence suggests that...
- Research indicates that...
- A compelling argument can be made that...
Showing Contrast:
- Notwithstanding these benefits, ...
- Despite these advantages, ...
- That said, ...
- Conversely, ...
Giving IELTS Writing Task 2 Examples:
- To illustrate this point, ...
- A case in point is...
- This is exemplified by...
- Take the example of...
Concluding:
- Taking everything into account, ...
- On balance, ...
- All things considered, ...
- In the final analysis, ...
Latest Trends in IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics 2025
The topics are continually evolving; recent trends include:
- Increased focus on technology and artificial intelligence, such as their impacts on society and work.
- More questions on remote work and digital transformation.
- Environmental sustainability remains a prominent theme with more specific angles.
- Issues related to post-pandemic society, including healthcare and global cooperation.
- Emergence of topics on cultural integration in a digital world.
Test Day Strategies for Maximum Performance
|
Particulars |
Strategies |
|
Before You Begin Writing |
· Read instructions carefully · Understand the question completely · Identify essay type immediately · Spend the full 5 minutes planning |
|
During Writing |
· Write legibly · Leave space between lines · Keep introductions concise · Develop body paragraphs fully · Monitor time constantly · If running short on time |
|
During Review (Final 5 Minutes) |
· Count words quickly · Check for common errors · Verify task response · Check paragraph structure · Final spelling check |
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample
Question Type: Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree)
Question: In many countries, the proportion of older people is steadily increasing. Does this trend have more positive or negative effects on society?
ANSWER:
The demographic shift toward an ageing population has become increasingly pronounced in developed nations, sparking debate about its societal implications. While this trend presents certain challenges, I contend that the benefits of an ageing society substantially outweigh the drawbacks.
Admittedly, an ageing population places considerable strain on healthcare systems and public finances. As life expectancy increases, governments face mounting costs associated with pension provisions, elderly care facilities, and age-related medical treatments for conditions such as dementia and cardiovascular disease. Japan, for instance, allocates nearly one-third of its national budget to elderly care and social security, creating fiscal pressure that necessitates either higher taxation or reduced spending in other critical areas such as education and infrastructure. Furthermore, a shrinking workforce relative to the retired population may impede economic productivity, as fewer working-age individuals must support an increasing number of dependents through taxation and social contributions.
However, these concerns are outweighed by the substantial advantages that older citizens bring to society. Elderly individuals possess invaluable accumulated wisdom, professional expertise, and life experience that younger generations can leverage. In many Asian cultures, grandparents play instrumental roles in childcare, enabling parents to maintain careers while ensuring children receive nurturing family-based care, a mutually beneficial arrangement that strengthens intergenerational bonds. Moreover, older people increasingly remain economically active well beyond traditional retirement ages, contributing skills, mentorship, and entrepreneurial ventures that enrich the economy. Studies indicate that age-diverse workplaces demonstrate enhanced problem-solving capabilities and decision-making quality, as they combine youthful innovation with seasoned judgment.
Additionally, medical advances that extend life expectancies generally indicate broader improvements in public health and quality of life. A society that successfully maintains the health and well-being of its elderly population demonstrates civilizational progress and effective healthcare systems. Rather than viewing ageing as purely burdensome, we might recognise it as a triumph of modern medicine and social development.
In conclusion, while ageing populations undeniably challenge fiscal sustainability and healthcare infrastructure, the experiential wealth, familial contributions, and continued economic participation of older citizens provide compensatory benefits that render this demographic transition ultimately advantageous for society.
(Word count: 329)
Summary
Excelling at IELTS Writing Part 2 involves a clear understanding of the question, careful planning, coherent paragraph development, and a strong conclusion. Focusing on all four marking criteria and practising with real IELTS-style questions and model answers is essential.
With dedication, thorough preparation, and smart strategy, you can confidently aim for Band 7 or higher. Take the first step today and achieve the band score you need to make your dreams a reality.
