Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Everything You Need to Know for Success

Overview and Structure: What is the IELTS Writing Task 2?

One of the biggest challenges for students preparing for the IELTS is the Writing Task 2. This is the second part of the writing test where test-takers are presented with a problem, point of view, or argument, and asked to write an essay in response.  

The Academic version of the IELTS Writing task component consists of two tasks, each addressing topics of broad relevance for individuals entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies, or those seeking professional registration. For the General Training version, this Writing component comprises two tasks that revolve around topics of general interest, designed to assess a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively with people in common real-life situations. 

In both instances, an IELTS test taker must present an opinion in the form of an essay of at least 250 words in a formal style. IELTS examiners evaluate these essays based on how you approach a question or problem, how you discuss people’s viewpoints or opinions, and arrive at a conclusion based on possible solutions, reasons, or examples. 

Read on to find out more about what kind of essay topics you can expect in your IELTS Writing Task 2, tips you can keep in mind while preparing for it, and links to further resources in the form of sample questions or practice tests that can boost your confidence. 

What are Some Common Topics That Appear?

It is important to understand that essay questions for your IELTS Writing Task 2 may change, but subjects often remain the same. You will never know what your question for the Writing Task 2 will be, but some topics come up repeatedly and can prepare you for related questions that may be asked. Here is a more in-depth look at common writing Task 2 topics as well as strategies to become familiar with them.  These are some of the more common topics you can expect, with relevant subtopics that all test-takers must prepare for:

Business and Money 

• Family-run businesses  

• Materialism and consumerism 

• Management and leadership 

 Crime and Punishment 

• Teenagers and crime 

• Role of the police 

• Men and women in law enforcement 

 Environment 

• Protecting the environment 

• Saving endangered species 

• Common environmental problems 

Health 

• Exercise and health 

• Dealing with epidemics 

• Health and education 

 Media and Advertising 

• Common advertising methods 

• The media and technology 

• Children and advertising 

 Society 

• Crime in cities 

• Managing a budget 

• Dealing with the homeless  

 Sport 

• The importance of equipment 

• Sport and learning 

• Types of sport 

Family and Children 

• Understanding generation gap 

• Proper role models 

• The importance of education 

 Economics 

• Saving or spending 

• The impact of globalisation 

• Using cash or cards 

 Art 

• Teaching art at school 

• The benefits of art 

• Censorship of artists 

These topics often have associated questions that require you to offer your opinion. The best way to do this is to think about opposing views, consider how you intend to explain these views to people, list advantages or disadvantages, and arrive at solutions associated with the question asked. This can help you approach any essay question and write with confidence. 

Tips to Help You Excel in the IELTS Writing Task 2

There are numerous online resources that can help you reach a particular Band score in your IELTS Writing Task 2. It helps to have a structured approach to the task, and these tips can help you get better as you take more practice tests.  

Start by asking yourself if you understand the question. This can help you arrive at a way of giving an examiner a suitable response. Read the question a few times, if necessary, because not answering it fully can prevent you from getting a score higher than a Band 5. Here is a checklist you can follow: Identify the question type, then identify keywords, and finally identify words related to any instructions offered.   Another tip: Always plan your answer before you write, because this can help you organise your ideas and structure your essay before you begin writing. It can also save you time and help with writing an essay that is clear and precise. Split your response into three parts:  

• Introduction 

• Main body 

• Conclusion 

Your introduction should attempt to answer the question directly, which lets an examiner know that you have understood the question and are going to explain your response. The body of your essay refers to the paragraphs in the middle, where you give more details about your opinion, hypothesis or argument, along with examples or points explaining your response. Finally, your conclusion should neatly summarise what has been written, with closing arguments.  

Let us consider a common IELTS Writing Task 2 essay topic and see how it can be tackled using this approach. Our sample topic can be: ‘The advantages and disadvantages of technology in the education sector’. Let us look at an introduction to this topic:  

The education sector has always been revolutionised by technology, but it has come with advantages as well as disadvantages. This essay will discuss both sides and show why using technology in education offers more benefits than drawbacks.’  

The main body of this essay can then delve a little deeper into what the benefits are, and why technology can be a positive thing: 

‘Technology can enhance learning and make it easier for students to grasp complex subjects. It allows the introduction of interactive tools, for example, as well as multimedia that can simplify complicated concepts. This makes learning a more enjoyable experience and can also help teachers personalise their teaching methods. 

There are certainly some disadvantages as well. Using too much technology can reduce face-to-face interactions that are critical for the development of social skills. The rise of inaccurate information on the Internet can also lead to issues of accuracy and credibility. 

It is important to weigh the pros and cons of using technology in education. The benefits outnumber the drawbacks because technology offers distinct advantages. It can make distance learning easier and help those who have limited resources or no access to traditional classrooms. It also prepares more students for a future that is increasingly reliant on understanding technology.’ 

Finally, these paragraphs can be tied together for a summary that works as a conclusion:  

‘Technology has transformed the education sector in many ways. It offers more learning opportunities and promotes student engagement. There are some disadvantages, but certainly more benefits of incorporating it into education. The most important thing for educators is to strike a balance between the use of technology and traditional teaching methods. Maximising the potential of each is what changes how students approach learning.’ 

Test-takers can also improve their scores in the IELTS Writing Task 2 by taking time to identify any weak areas. Practice tests show what you are doing well, as well as what you need to work on, which can help you improve as you move towards your IELTS test day.  

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Question and Answer

When it comes to writing an essay for your IELTS Writing Task 2, giving reasons for your answer becomes easier when you can support it with examples from your own experience or knowledge. It adds a personal touch and tells the examiner that you are engaging with the question.  

Writing an essay that can display your understanding of structure, strong vocabulary, and coherence, will improve your band score. Remember to practice writing your response within the time constraints of the IELTS test, which is 40 minutes for this task. Here is a sample topic, followed by a response:  

Topic: The effects of global warming on the environment 

Instructions: Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.  

Sample Response:  

Introduction: ‘Human activities are the main drivers of global warming, which has emerged as a critical issue with widespread effects on the environment. This essay will examine the environmental impacts of global warming and make a case for immediate action to address its harmful consequences. 

Body Paragraph 1: The global rise in temperatures is one of the most significant impacts of global warming. This can accelerate the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers which, in turn, may lead to rising sea levels. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and heat waves, are more likely as a result. Higher temperatures disrupt ecosystems, threatening the survival of numerous species. 

Body Paragraph 2: Global warming is also a major threat to biodiversity because, as temperatures rise, many species struggle to adapt or relocate to more suitable environments. The result is a decline in population or even extinction. A loss of biodiversity undermines the stability of ecosystems because every species plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of natural processes. 

Body Paragraph 3: Environmental degradation is another serious consequence of global warming. When temperatures rise, they contribute to ocean acidification, which harms coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere lead to the formation of oceanic dead zones, further endangering marine life. Also, deforestation prompted by increased demand for resources and land, makes global warming worse by reducing the Earth’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. 

Conclusion: In conclusion, global warming has far-reaching consequences for the environment. It can lead to rising temperatures, a loss of biodiversity, and widespread environmental degradation. Urgent and coordinated action is required to combat these challenges. We need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adopt sustainable practices, and safeguard natural habitats. Working together is important if we are to lessen the impacts of global warming and ensure a healthier planet for tomorrow.’ 

Need More Tips or Expert Advice?

IELTS by IDP Canada offers a lot of official IELTS preparation materials for the Writing Task 2, from free practice tests to tips from IELTS Experts. For example, you can get help dealing with common grammatical errors, such as:  

• What is the difference between ‘defuse’ and ‘diffuse’?  

• When do you use ‘loose’ or ‘lose’? 

• How do you differentiate between ‘then’ and ‘than’? 

• How does one use ‘who’ and ‘whom’ correctly?  

With IELTS Prepare, you can sit free practice tests that simulate the computer-delivered experience or keep it old-school and prepare for a paper-based IELTS test. Check out more practice tests specifically for your writing tasks, both general and academic. 

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