Task 2 is the main part that determines your score in the IELTS Writing test. To complete Task 2 with the most perfect score, candidates must combine many skills such as analyzing the topic, coming up with ideas, outlining, writing and reviewing the essay to avoid grammar and spelling mistakes.
A secret to help the essay impress the examiner and get a high score is always the use of a variety of sentence structures and standard grammar. The following article will introduce an overview, scoring criteria as well as structures that are easy to score high in the IELTS Writing Task 2 test.
1 Overview of IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 2 is the main component that determines your final Writing band score. To achieve a high score, test takers must combine several skills: analyzing the question, generating ideas, outlining, writing, and proofreading to eliminate grammar and spelling errors.
One of the most effective strategies to impress the examiner and earn a high score is using a wide range of sentence structures with accurate grammar. This article outlines the task format, scoring criteria, and high-impact grammar structures to help you perform better in the test.
Basic Information of IELTS Writing Task 2
Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
Duration | 40 minutes |
Weight | Accounts for two-thirds of the total Writing score |
Word count | Minimum 250 words (Ideal: 260–270 words) |
Format (Academic) | Write an academic essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem |
Format (General) | Write a semi-formal essay on a similar topic with slightly less academic tone |
Common question types | Opinion Essay, Discussion Essay, Advantages and Disadvantages, Problem and Solution, Two-part Question |
2 IELTS Writing Task 2 Scoring Criteria
Examiners assess your Writing Task 2 based on four equally weighted criteria:
Task Response: Fully addresses the task, presents a clear position, and supports it with relevant ideas and evidence.
Coherence and Cohesion: Logical flow of ideas, paragraph structure, and use of linking devices.
Lexical Resource: Range and accuracy of vocabulary including use of synonyms and idiomatic expressions.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Variety and correctness of grammatical structures, including simple and complex sentence forms.
3 High-Scoring Grammar Structures in IELTS Writing Task 2
Using advanced sentence structures helps organize your ideas clearly and demonstrates a strong command of the language. Here are some structures you should master:
3.1 Relative Clauses
Use relative clauses to add detail and improve sentence flow.
Structure (after subject): S + (relative pronoun + S + V + O) + V + O Structure (after object): S + V + O + (relative pronoun + S + V + O)
Common relative pronouns: which, who, whom, whose, that, when, where, why
Example: People are using motorbikes as the main means of transport in Hanoi. This results in more pollution. ➜ People are using motorbikes as the main means of transport in Hanoi, which results in more pollution.
3.2 Inversion
Inversion is used to emphasize a point by changing the normal word order.
Examples:
Never/Hardly ever/Seldom + auxiliary + S + V
Only when/Only by + noun + auxiliary + S + V
Not only + auxiliary + S1 + V1, but S2 also + V2
Example: ➜ Hardly could we understand what he was saying. ➜ Seldom does she listen to classical music.
3.3 Noun Clauses
Noun clauses function as subjects or objects in complex sentences. They are often introduced by: if, whether, what, when, where, why, how, which, whose, that.
Example: The government should impose heavy taxes on cigarettes. ➜ What the government should do is to impose heavy taxes on cigarettes.
3.4 Participles
Use participle clauses to combine two ideas with the same subject.
Example: Some people oppose the idea that the government should ensure hygiene in food production as they believe it is a personal choice. ➜ Some people oppose the idea, believing it is a personal choice.
3.5 Dummy Subjects
Dummy subjects “It” and “There” help introduce general or abstract ideas.
Examples:
It + be + adjective/noun + that + clause
It + be + adjective + for someone + to V
There + be + noun
Example: The number of people on the roads has increased. ➜ There has been a significant increase in the number of people on the roads.
Deforestation causes floods. ➜ It is deforestation that causes floods.
3.6 Concession Clauses
Use concessive clauses to show contrast with the main idea. Use “although”, “even though”, “despite”, or “in spite of”.
Examples: ➜ Although there are new types of music, many older people still prefer traditional genres. ➜ Despite the fact that cars bring convenience, they are a major cause of pollution.
3.7 Passive Voice
Use the passive voice to emphasize the action or result rather than the subject.
Structure: S + (auxiliary) + be + past participle (+ by O)
Example: A dog bit my son. ➜ My son was bitten by a dog.
Use in IELTS essays:
It is believed/argued/said that…
It cannot be denied that…
Example: Some people believe that teenagers should join volunteer programs. ➜ It is believed that teenagers should join volunteer programs.
4 Band-Worthy Phrases for IELTS Writing Task 2
4.1 Introduction Phrases
It is often said/believed that…
Nowadays/Today/In this day and age…
We live in an age when…
...is a controversial topic that divides opinion.
There is no denying that…
Whether…or…is a controversial issue.
It is universally accepted that…
The following essay will examine both sides of the argument.
4.2 Body Paragraph Phrases
Stating Arguments:
To begin with...
First of all…
Secondly/Thirdly…
Lastly/Finally…
Furthermore/In addition/What is more/On top of that…
Another point worth noting is…
Another factor to consider is…
Presenting Examples and Ideas:
When it comes to + noun/gerund…
In terms of + noun/gerund…
Not only… but also…
According to experts…
Research has found that…
For example/For instance/Such as…
There are those who argue that…
Stating Results:
As a result…
...has led to/has resulted in…
Consequently/Therefore…
Due to/On account of…
One reason behind this is…
Showing Contrast:
Although/Even though + clause…
Despite/In spite of + noun/gerund…
Despite the fact that + clause…
However/Nevertheless/Even so…
Expressing Opinions:
As far as I am concerned…
From my point of view…
In my opinion…
Personally speaking…
I firmly believe that…
To me…
To my mind…
4.3 Conclusion Phrases
To sum up/In conclusion…
All things considered…
Taking everything into consideration…
Weighing up both sides of the argument…
In summary/In short…
To draw the conclusion…
By and large…
The advantages of… outweigh the disadvantages.
Master IELTS Writing Task 2 with IDP
We hope this article helps you build a strong foundation in sentence structures and grammar for IELTS Writing Task 2. With IDP’s proven experience supporting IELTS candidates, you can access a variety of free resources, including expert-written guides, videos, and exam strategies.
You can also register for mock tests at IDP test centers and attend IELTS workshops led by expert trainers to identify common mistakes and improve your skills through model answers and video tutorials.
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