Writing Task 2 is the most important part of the Writing test. It counts twice as much as Task 1, and it’s the same type of task in both Academic and General Training: an essay responding to a point of view, argument or problem.
The short answer: write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. First identify the essay type from the question. Then use a clear four- or five-paragraph structure, answer every part of the question, and support your ideas with explanations and examples.
Step 1: Identify the essay type
Most Task 2 questions fall into one of these common patterns (these are teaching categories, not official IELTS labels):
| Essay type | How the question usually ends | What you must do |
| Opinion (agree/disagree) | “To what extent do you agree or disagree?” | Give a clear position and support it |
| Discussion | “Discuss both views and give your own opinion.” | Explain both views, then your opinion |
| Advantages and disadvantages | “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?” | Compare, then state which outweighs |
| Problem and solution (or cause and solution) | “What are the problems/causes? What solutions can you suggest?” | Explain problems or causes, then solutions |
| Two-part (direct questions) | Two separate questions | Answer both questions directly |
The most common mistake is answering a different question from the one asked. For example, a candidate writes a general discussion when the question asks “To what extent do you agree?”
Step 2: Use a clear structure
Four-paragraph structure (works for most types):
| Paragraph | Content |
| Introduction (2–3 sentences) | Paraphrase the topic; state your position or what the essay will cover |
| Body 1 (5–7 sentences) | Main idea → explanation → example |
| Body 2 (5–7 sentences) | Second main idea → explanation → example |
| Conclusion (1–2 sentences) | Summarise your answer; no new ideas |
Step 3: Plan before you write (about 5 minutes)
- Underline the topic and the instruction.
- Decide your position (if one is asked for).
- Note two main ideas with one example each.
- Check that your plan answers every part of the question.
How Task 2 is assessed
Task 2 is assessed on four criteria:
- Task Response: answering all parts of the question with a clear position and developed ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: logical organisation, paragraphing and linking.
- Lexical Resource: range and accuracy of vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: variety and accuracy of sentence structures.
Sample introduction and body opening (illustrative)
Question: Some people believe that working from home benefits both employees and employers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Introduction: Remote work has become far more common in recent years, particularly in office-based industries. I largely agree that it benefits both workers and companies, although it is not suitable for every role.
Body 1 (opening): The main advantage for employees is the time and money saved on commuting. For example, a worker who previously travelled an hour each way can use that time for rest or study, which may improve both well-being and productivity…
40-minute time plan
| Minutes | Step |
| 0–5 | Analyse the question and plan |
| 5–35 | Write (about 7 minutes per body paragraph) |
| 35–40 | Check task response, grammar and spelling |
On the computer-delivered test, the word count is shown on screen. See IELTS Is Going Computer-Only.
Common mistakes
- Not answering all parts of the question.
- No clear position in opinion essays.
- Memorised introductions that don’t fit the question.
- Ideas without explanation or examples.
- Under 250 words.
- Overly complex vocabulary used incorrectly.
Frequently asked questions
How many words should IELTS Task 2 be?
At least 250 words. There’s no maximum, but plan to finish in about 40 minutes.
Is Task 2 the same in Academic and General Training?
Both are essays responding to a point of view, argument or problem. Topics in General Training are often more general-interest.
Does Task 2 count more than Task 1?
Yes, twice as much.
Should I use memorised phrases?
Use natural linking language, but avoid memorised paragraphs that don’t respond to the specific question.
How many body paragraphs should I write?
Two or three well-developed body paragraphs usually work better than many short ones.
Get your essays assessed
Writing improves fastest with consistent, criterion-based feedback. Our IELTS training includes essay practice with trainer feedback. You may also like How to Improve IELTS Writing in 7 Days and common writing mistakes.