How to prepare for IELTS Writing Task 2?
What is asked in IELTS Writing?
Unlike IELTS writing task 1, IELTS writing task 2 has a similar structure for both Academic and General. However, IELTS Academic writing task is slightly more difficult. Overall, you get 60 minutes for the writing test. Whether Academic or General, spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. Task 2 in both – Academic and General – is worth double the marks of Task 1.
What are you asked to do in IELTS Writing Task 2?
You are supposed to write an essay in at least 250 words and you get 40 minutes for it. In this task, you will be asked to write your response to the given issue, problem, or opinion mentioned in the essay question. You will write a discursive essay in 250 words, in which you may even be asked to compare and contrast different ideas or challenge an idea. In case it’s a problem or an issue topic, you may be asked to evaluate the problem and provide a solution.
How are you assessed in IELTS Writing?
You are assessed according to your ability to achieve the following:
- Task achievement/ Task response: You should be able to cover all the requirements of the task.
- Coherence and Cohesion: You should be able to present all the information logically in paragraphs.
- Lexical Resource – Range of Vocabulary: You should be able to use a wide range of vocabulary to convey precise meanings.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: You should be able to use a wide range of structures. Your sentences should be a good mix of Simple and Complex sentences with rare grammatical errors.
Your Band in IELTS Writing is calculated according to your level in the above-mentioned areas. You get Band 1 if your answer is completely unrelated to the task. You get Band 9 when you address all parts of the task with a wide range of error-free vocabulary and sentence structure in logically coherent paragraphs. IELTS Writing Task 2 is worth double the marks of IELTS Writing Task 1.
Types of Essay Questions in IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS writing task 2 essay topics can be on family, society, work, technology, education, sports, tourism, etc. You can get any of the following five types of questions on these topics.
1. Opinion Essay
A situation is presented to you and you are asked to give your opinion on it.
Example: Computers are gaining importance in modern education. Some people believe that certain subjects such as science and mathematics are better taught using computers. What is your opinion?
Hints:
- Collect the points to be included in your essay.
- Write your essay in four or five paragraphs.
- Paraphrase the question stated in the first paragraph, followed by your thesis statement.
- Elaborate on one detail in the second paragraph – how some subjects can be better taught by using computers.
- Elaborate on the second detail in the third paragraph – how teaching without computers can be more beneficial.
- Conclude your essay in the last paragraph by paraphrasing your thesis statement. Use linkers.
Sample Essay 1 (High Band Score)
The use of computers in education is increasing every day. Many opine that the teaching of various concepts, especially in science and maths, is comparatively efficacious in a class where teaching can be aided with computers. Even I think that knowledge of a number of subjects can be imparted more effectively by using computers. However, teaching through interactions, discussions, experiments, and activities has its own significance. Computers are becoming powerful tools for generating students’ interest in subjects such as science, social science, and mathematics. They can greatly help to solve students’ language and problem-solving skills.
A huge amount of information on the latest developments in science can be gathered using the internet. Students get motivated to work on their science projects even during recess and are able to handle more complex assignments in maths and science. Hence, technology, especially computers, is increasingly becoming a significant factor in school and college classrooms. Conversely, the number of scientists has not increased with the proliferation of computers in school classrooms. Moreover, most teachers across the world do not have time for learning and practicing technology.
Resultingly, computers are there but not for all subjects and teachers. Also, computers restrict teaching to the four walls of the classroom, thereby stopping outdoor activities and projects through which learning happens faster and certain soft skills are also imbibed in the learners. To conclude, computers can enhance the process of teaching by encouraging students to get into the habit of researching independently or in teams. In fact, science and maths can be taught effectively with computer support. But having just computer-based teaching would not be the correct method of teaching various other subjects.
Sample Essay 2 (Low Band Score)
The use of computers in education is increasing every day. Many feel that the teaching of various concepts, especially in science and maths, is comparatively better in a class where teaching can be aided with computers. Even I think that knowledge of a number of subjects can be imparted more effectively by using computers. Computers are becoming powerful tools for getting students’ interest in subjects such as Science, Social Science, and Mathematics. They can greatly help to solve students’ language and problem-solving skills. A huge amount of information on the latest developments in science can be gathered using the internet.
Students get motivated to work on their science projects even during recess and can able to handle more complex assignments in Maths and Science. Hence, technology, especially computers, is increasingly becoming a significant factor in school and college classrooms. Conversely, the number of scientists has not increased with the proliferation of computers in school classrooms. Moreover, most teachers across the world do not have time for learning and practicing technology.
Resultingly, computers are there but not for all subjects and teachers. Also, computers restrict teaching to the four walls of the classroom, thereby stopping outdoor activities and projects through which learning happens faster and certain soft skills are also imbibed in the learners. So, computers can make the process of teaching better by encouraging students to get into the habit of researching independently or in teams. In fact, Maths can be taught effectively with computer support. But having just computer-based teaching would not be the correct method of teaching various other subjects.
2. Advantages/ Disadvantages Essays
A prevalent trend or situation or technology is presented to you in the question and you are asked to write its advantages and disadvantages.
3. Solution Essay Questions
A problem is given to you in the question. Sometimes you are asked to provide only the solution and sometimes both – causes and solutions.
4. Direct Essay Questions
In such essays, you are required to address the two or three questions presented in the question.
What should the structure of an IELTS Task 2 essay look like?
You should write your essay in four or five paragraphs (Body paragraphs can be two or three).
- Paragraph 1: Introduce the IELTS writing topic by giving a background statement followed by the thesis statement.
- Paragraph 2: This is the first paragraph to support your thesis. It should have a topic sentence followed by a supporting example and an explanation. The last sentence of the paragraph should conclude its topic.
- Paragraph 3: This is the second paragraph to support your thesis. It should have a topic sentence followed by a supporting example and an explanation. The last sentence of the paragraph should conclude its topic.
- Paragraph 4: This is the concluding paragraph of the essay. It should summarise the points mentioned in the previous two paragraphs in one or two sentences. Then the thesis statement should be restated. The last sentence should include a recommendation, suggestion, or prediction.
The above-mentioned structure will have 15-20 sentences which will be written in around 250-275 words.
IELTS Writing Tips
- Understand what has been asked in the essay question.
- Plan your essay before writing it. Collect all the points you would like to include in your essay.
- Use a mix of simple and complex sentences.
- Use transition words.
- Take care of grammar pitfalls.
- Use low-frequency words in between to show your lexical ability.
- Use examples from your personal life to support your argument in the essay.
- Write short sentences.
- Link your points to make your essay cohesive.
- Do not repeat points.
IELTS Writing task 2 FAQs:
- What is asked in the IELTS Writing task 2?
In the IELTS Writing task 2, you are asked to write an essay in at least 250 words.
- How much time will I get for writing task 2?
You get 40 minutes for writing task 2.
- What is the difference in the marks between writing task 1 and writing task 2?
Writing task 2 is worth double the marks of writing task 1.
- Should I attempt Task1 first or Task 2?
You can attempt whichever you feel like. It is your choice. However, it is better to attempt Task 1 first.
- Will I be penalized if I write under 250 words?
Yes, the examiner will penalize you if you write under 250 words.
- What type of essay will I get in writing task 2?
There are different types of essays that you can expect in writing task 2, such as solution essay, opinion essay, and advantage or disadvantage essay.
- In how many paragraphs should I write my essay?
You should write your essay in 4-5 paragraphs.
- How important are the spellings in writing task 2?
Spellings are important in the IELTS Exam. The examiner will penalize you for the wrong spelling.
- Will punctuation matter?
Yes, it will matter because it is a part of grammar.
- Is an IELTS essay different from a normal essay?
Yes, an IELTS essay is different from a normal essay as it has a certain structure with an introductory and a concluding paragraph.
- Should I write my essay with a pen or a pencil?
It is your choice. You can use a pen or a pencil.
- Will I be provided with extra writing paper if I run out of space on my answer sheet?
Yes, the examiner will provide you with extra writing paper if you ask for it.
- Should my essay have a conclusion?
Yes, your essay should have a concluding paragraph.
- Is it necessary for me to give my opinion in the essay?
Yes, you must include your thesis statement (your opinion) in the first paragraph.
- Is there any difference between the IELTS General Writing task 2 and the IELTS Academic Writing task 2?
In both, you are asked to write an essay in writing task 2. The only difference is that the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 is more difficult than the IELTS General Writing Task 2.
FAQs regarding IELTS Comprehensive Course
- Are all these group classes or will I get 1-to-1 instruction too?
Our instruction is divided between group classes and one-to-one. For conceptual topics, we generally deliver group classes but we use one-to-one sessions for writing feedback, speaking practice, and mock test feedback analysis. To compare exactly how many group and one-to-one sessions are there in each of our courses, refer to the course comparison page
- Are these courses specific to IELTS Academic or General?
Both types of test takers can enroll in any of the above courses. Since most of the content is similar to IELTS Academic and IELTS General exams, there will be common group classes. At the same time, trainers will ensure that there are separate classes whenever required. So you can enroll for any of these courses without worry whether you are preparing for the Academic or the General version of the IELTS exam.
- Can I attend classes from my phone?
Yes, you can. Zoom works on all sorts of devices but we highly recommend that you attend classes from your PC (desktop or laptop) because the instructor would show you different things during the class and the mobile screen is too small to study well. However, we have several students who attend the classes on their mobile phones and are happy about it.
- Can I get a discount?
We offer our courses at very low prices compared to the rest of the industry. So we don’t usually offer discounts. If you are someone who cannot afford to pay the full amount because you truly have financial constraints, please contact us at [email protected]
- Do I get a free demo of the live class?
Yes, you will be able to attend up to two demo classes, for free and then decide if you would like to enroll in the course.
- Do I have to buy any books or course materials?
No, all course material will be provided to you by us. We will be sending you the book called, “The Official Cambridge Guide To IELTS Student’s Book With Answers With DVD ROM” to practice full-length mock tests. This book is part of the course fee. We will deliver the book to your doorstep during the second week of the course.
- Do I have to use some special software?
We use Zoom software for our live classes. It’s free to use and works just like Skype. It works both on a PC as well as on mobile phones. If you haven’t installed it already, please install it from this link: https://zoom.us/support/download
- Do you guarantee a particular band score?
Getting your target band score depends on your current level of English and the target you have in mind. We are the experts of IELTS training and what we guarantee is that you will not find a better quality, more rigorous course anywhere else. We cannot guarantee you any specific score but you will make a significant improvement in your score. Please check our student testimonials. Anyone who guarantees you a target score is lying to you.
- How can I pay?
A payment link will be shared with you. You can pay online and securely by clicking on the payment link and using various modes of payment like credit cards, debit cards, Net Banking, UPI, and various wallets.
- How do online classes work?
Today’s live video technology allows us to bring the best instructor right to your computer. Live online classes happen virtually, over the internet, with real instructors where you and the instructor are connected via live video. It’s like a video call but with more features required for a great learning experience. You can attend classes for free during the trial period to experience if they will work for you.
- How many hours of self-study do I need to plan?
You should be able to spend about 1 hour to 90 minutes each day on self-study. All the self-study material will be provided to you by your trainer.
- How will listening practice happen?
While our trainers will deliver group classes to explain what concepts are important to improve your listening skills, each learner will practice from tens of available listening practice tests. The tests are online and can be accessed at…. You will be asked to attempt several of these tests on a weekly basis.
- How will you help with the Speaking module?
There will be sub-groups formed, of 3-4 learners each, to practice the speaking skill. There will be weekly speaking practice classes where each learner will be asked to speak on a specific topic and the trainer will give him/her feedback on how he/she can improve.
- How will you help with the Writing module?
You will get writing assignments from the trainer that you will write in Google docs (Google docs are free to use. All you need is a free Gmail account). Once you write your assignment, the trainer will check your assignment and mark up improvements. The trainer will then schedule a 1-to-1 live class with you to discuss it further with tips and suggestions on how you can improve.
- I don’t have a broadband connection at home. Will my mobile internet work?
Yes, these days mobile connections are great too, especially if you have a 4G (or an LTE) connection. You can also ‘tether’ (also called hotspot) your phone connection with your PC and attend classes on your PC. Learn about tethering on Android Learn about using iPhone as a hotspot
- What are the advantages of live online classes over in-person classes?
- You study from the comfort of your home
- You study from the best instructor
- There’s more interaction in classes
- You save time by not having to travel
- You meet other students who are from different parts of the world
- What if I miss a class?
Well, studying from a real instructor means that you should attend all the classes so you don’t miss any concepts. However, if you still miss a class or two because of an unavoidable reason, you can watch the recordings, or request your instructor to re-do the class for you. We are happy to help whenever you need it.
- What will the homework assignments be like?
There will be different homework assignments for each of the skills required. Example homework assignments will be like taking practice tests, watching videos, reading articles, and writing assignments based on topics given to you by the trainer. You will also get access to our free IELTS resources.
- Who do I get in touch with if I want to learn more about your courses?
Feel free to write to us at [email protected] or call us at +91-7827181269.
- Will there be one-to-one help available?
Yes, while there will be daily group classes, there will be 1-to-1 classes available depending on your weak areas. For example, feedback about your writing assignments and speaking practice will often be in 1-to-1 classes.