What Task 2 asks you to do
Task 2 is a short essay of at least 250 words. You respond to a point of view, an argument, or a problem. The question gives you a statement, then asks what you think, or asks you to discuss it, or asks how to solve it.
It is the same idea for Academic and General Training. The topics may feel a little more everyday in General Training, but the job is the same: give a clear answer and support it with reasons and examples.
You have 60 minutes for the whole Writing test, and Task 2 is worth more than Task 1. So it is advised to spend about 40 minutes on it. Do not let Task 1 eat that time.
New to the test? Start with the full IELTS Writing guide for how both tasks fit together.
Read the question and answer every part
The most common way to lose marks is to answer a different question. You can write neat English and still get a low band if you miss what the task asks. So slow down and read it twice.
Every Task 2 question has two halves: the statement (the topic and a view) and the instruction (what to do with it). Underline both. Ask yourself:
- What is the topic? Stay on it; do not drift to the general subject.
- What does it ask me to do? Give my opinion? Discuss both sides? List advantages? Suggest a solution?
- How many parts are there? Some questions ask two things. You must answer both to score well.
This last point matters most for two-part questions. If the task asks "why is this happening, and what can be done?", an essay that only explains the cause has missed half the marks. Cover all parts of the question.
A clear 4-paragraph structure
You do not need a clever shape. A simple, clear one wins. Use four paragraphs for almost any Task 2 essay:
- Introduction. Restate the question in your own words in one sentence, then give your clear position in the next. The reader should know your answer by the end of the first paragraph.
- Body paragraph 1. One main idea. Start with the idea, explain it, then give an example to make it real.
- Body paragraph 2. A second main idea, built the same way: idea, explanation, example.
- Conclusion. Restate your position and pull the two ideas together. Add no new points here.
The key rule for the body: one main idea per paragraph. One idea, well explained with a reason and an example, beats three half-ideas. This keeps your writing organised, which is exactly what the Coherence and Cohesion criterion rewards.
Link your ideas with simple joining words — because, for example, however, as a result. You do not need rare or fancy phrases. Clear links between sentences and paragraphs are enough.
The common question types (and how to structure each)
Task 2 uses a small set of question types. Once you can spot which one you have, the plan almost writes itself. The 4-paragraph shape fits them all — you just aim the two body paragraphs at the right job.
| Type | It sounds like… | How to structure it |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion (agree / disagree) | "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" | State your view in the introduction. Give two reasons for it — one per body paragraph. Restate the view in the conclusion. |
| Discussion (both views + your opinion) | "Discuss both views and give your own opinion." | One body paragraph for each view. Give your own opinion too — in the introduction and again in the conclusion, and make it clear which side you lean to. |
| Advantages / disadvantages | "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" | One body paragraph for advantages, one for disadvantages. If asked which is greater, say so clearly and keep that view throughout. |
| Problem / solution | "What problems does this cause and how can they be solved?" | One body paragraph on the problem(s), one on the solution(s). Make sure each solution matches a problem you named. |
| Two-part question | "Why is this happening? What can be done?" | Answer each part in its own body paragraph. Check you have covered both parts before you finish. |
Notice the pattern: the introduction and conclusion barely change, and only the two body paragraphs are re-aimed. Learn the five types above and you can plan any Task 2 essay in a minute.
How the essay is marked (and quick fixes)
Task 2 is marked on four things, each worth the same amount (25%), and you get a band from 0 to 9 in half-band steps:
| Criterion | What the examiner looks for |
|---|---|
| Task Response | Did you fully answer the question, cover every part, and hold a clear position? |
| Coherence and Cohesion | Is it well organised, with clear paragraphs and smooth links between ideas? |
| Lexical Resource | Do you use a good range of words, correctly and naturally? |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | Do you use different sentence types, with few grammar mistakes? |
Because the four are equal, work on your weakest one first. A few quick habits lift the essay for most people:
- Plan for 5 minutes before writing. Decide your position and one idea per paragraph. This alone raises Task Response and Coherence.
- Use words you control. A correct simple word beats a wrong "advanced" one. Do not force rare vocabulary you are unsure of.
- Vary your sentences. Mix short and longer sentences. A few well-formed complex sentences help Grammatical Range.
- Leave 2–3 minutes to check. Look for missing parts of the question, unclear links, and small grammar or spelling slips.
Not sure which criterion is holding you back? Aflo scores each one for you — see how Aflo scores your English.
Frequently asked questions
How long should the Task 2 essay be?
At least 250 words. That is a minimum; writing fewer can lower your band. Aim to be a little over 250, clear, and finished on time.
How much time should I spend on Task 2?
About 40 minutes of the 60-minute Writing test. Task 2 is worth more than Task 1, so give it the bigger share of your time.
Is Task 2 different for Academic and General Training?
No — it is the same idea for both: an essay of at least 250 words that responds to a point of view, an argument, or a problem. Only the Task 1 part of the test differs between the two.
Do I need a strong opinion, or can I sit on the fence?
Take a clear position and hold it from the introduction to the conclusion. An essay that changes its mind or stays undecided is harder to follow and usually scores lower.
How is Task 2 marked?
On four equal criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. You get a band from 0 to 9 in half-band steps.