Trong phần thi IELTS Writing, Task 2 là phần chiếm nhiều điểm hơn, và tất nhiên là khó hơn Task 1. Cùng đọc qua những thông tin cơ bản đến thang điểm để bạn có cái nhìn tổng thể về phần thi này nhé.
1. What You Need to Know About Task 2
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 counts for two‑thirds of your Writing score. Your essay must be at least 250 words, and should be completed in approximately 40 minutes. You must write in an formal academic tone, presenting your arguments in response to globally relevant topics like health, education, the environment, or pandemics.
2. IELTS Writing Task 2 Scoring Criteria
1. Task Response (25%)
Fully answer the question without going off‑topic.
Clearly present your main argument and support it with relevant sub‑points.
Use specific and reasonable examples.
2. Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
Organize ideas logically across paragraphs and sentences.
Use appropriate linking phrases and transitions.
Aim for around 270–280 words even though 250 is the minimum.
Outline your essay to structure your ideas and arguments clearly.
3. Lexical Resource (25%)
Use vocabulary that is familiar and relevant to the essay topic.
Avoid overly complex words you are unsure about.
Incorporate collocations to strengthen vocabulary usage.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)
Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex or compound sentences.
Incorporate conditional clauses, passive voice, and relative clauses.
Minimize errors with articles, subject‑verb agreement, and word order.
3. Common IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types & Strategies
There are five main essay types in Task 2:
Argumentative / Opinion / Agree or Disagree Essay
Discussion Essay
Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
Causes and Effects / Solutions Essay
Two‑Part Question Essay
Type 1: Argumentative / Opinion / Agree or Disagree
These questions ask you to take a clear position for or against a statement.
Example:
“Some people think that all teenagers should do unpaid work to help the local community. Do you agree or disagree?”
Strategy:
Choose your stance (agree, disagree, or partly agree) and build strong arguments and supporting evidence throughout the essay.
Type 2: Discussion Essay
You are presented with two opposing views and asked to discuss both.
Example:
“Some believe competition should be encouraged in children; others think cooperation is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Strategy:
Address each viewpoint in its own body paragraph, and then share your personal opinion in the conclusion (or introduction if allowed).
Type 3: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
These essays ask you to outline both pros and cons of an issue.
Example:
“What are the advantages and disadvantages of children using mobile phones?” Sometimes this includes an additional question: “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”
Strategy:
Provide one paragraph each for advantages and disadvantages, then conclude by answering any comparison question.
Type 4: Causes and Effects / Problems and Solutions
Often considered the easiest format, you analyze causes and one of the following: effects, solutions, or both.
Example:
“Internet use has transformed information sharing but also created new problems. What are the most serious problems and what solutions can you suggest?”
Strategy:
Divide your body paragraphs into causes and then effects or solutions, depending on the question.
Type 5: Two‑Part Question Essay
These prompts have two separate questions to answer.
Example:
“Many people choose one career early in life, which they argue leads to satisfaction. To what extent do you agree? What else can people do to have a satisfying working life?”
Strategy:
Answer each question in its own section. Address the first in your discussion and then suggest additional ideas in the second part.
4. General Writing Steps & Time Management
Step 1: Analyze the prompt (1–2 minutes)
Identify the essay type using keywords like agree or disagree, problems and solutions, etc. Also note main keywords (topic), micro‑keywords, and instruction words.
Step 2: Outline your essay (2–3 minutes)
Create a clear plan with:
Introduction: Paraphrase the question and add an outline statement
Body paragraphs: 2–3 main points, each with topic sentence, explanation, and example
Conclusion: Summarize your key points and give your final opinion or prediction
Step 3: Write the Introduction
Use a neutral topic sentence or paraphrase the prompt. Include a thesis statement to clearly express your position.
Step 4: Write the Body Paragraphs
Each paragraph should include a topic sentence, explanation, and example to support your argument.
Step 5: Write the Conclusion
Summarize your points concisely using phrases like In conclusion, To sum up, All in all. Avoid introducing new ideas.
5. Advanced Writing Tips for Higher Band Scores
Brainstorm ideas first to identify your main points quickly.
Use reputable reference books like IELTS Advantage Writing Skills (Brown & Richards) and IELTS Preparation and Practice (Oxford) to refine structure and ideas.
Employ synonyms and paraphrasing to vary vocabulary and improve coherence.
Example: “Some people believe the government wastes money on the arts.” → “It has been argued that public funding for the arts is misused and could be better allocated.”
Use varied sentence structures including passive voice and inversion to emphasize important information.
“The entire highway was paved by the crew.”
Practice complex and compound sentences to demonstrate grammatical range.
Example correlative conjunctions: “not only… but also…”, “neither… nor…”
Add cohesive linking words between paragraphs and ideas.
Use books like Get IELTS Band 9 in Academic Writing and Achieve IELTS Academic Writing Success for model essays and examiner feedback.
6. Common Writing Mistakes to Avoid
Using overly informal vocabulary
Spelling mistakes or incorrect number formats (e.g., write “ten” instead of “10”)
Grammar errors in relative clauses, prepositions, and tense usage
Inaccurate comparisons due to irrelevance or lack of data in the question
We hope this guide helps you navigate IELTS Writing Task 2 confidently. If you need further support, consider practicing with mock tests, enrolling in a reputable IELTS course, or using the IELTS by IDP app for personalized study plans.