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IELTS Writing Task 2: essay structure, ideas and band 7 samples
Building a Task 2 essay that answers the question directly, with the structure and band-driving language examiners look for.
Get AI band scores on essaysThe test at a glance
- Time
- 40 minutes
- Length
- 250+ words
- Essay types
- Opinion, discussion, problem–solution
- Weight
- Two thirds of the Writing score
- IELTS Writing time management: split 60 minutes and finish both tasksHow to split IELTS Writing's 60 minutes: which task to start with, a minute-by-minute plan, what to do if you're behind at minute 40, and a speed test.
- IELTS Writing Task 2 vocabulary: synonyms by meaning and when each fitsIELTS Writing Task 2 vocabulary grouped by meaning: which synonym fits which sentence, look-alikes like affect and effect, and upgrades that cost marks.
- IELTS Writing Task 2 topics: 63 practice questions and 9 plans63 IELTS Writing Task 2 practice questions in 9 topic areas, labelled by essay type, with 9 sample plans, one essay built from a plan and score data.
- IELTS Writing Task 2: spot the 5 essay types and plan in 5 minutesHow IELTS Writing Task 2 works: spot the essay type from the question in 30 seconds, plan in 5 minutes, and write 4 clear paragraphs in 40.
- IELTS Writing band descriptors in plain English: band 6 vs 7 vs 8The 4 IELTS Writing criteria in plain English: band 6 vs 7 vs 8, a full essay checked against them, and why Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1.
- IELTS Writing band 7: what changes from 6.5, criterion by criterionStuck at 6.5 in IELTS Writing? Compare the band 6 and 7 wording, see which criteria hold 6.5 essays back, then edit a paragraph and follow a 4-week plan.
- IELTS two-part question essay: how to answer both questions wellLearn to identify IELTS two-part questions, plan both answers in 5 minutes and develop your ideas with a model essay and a worked paragraph edit.
- IELTS problem-solution essay: match each solution to the questionWrite an IELTS problem-solution essay: read what the question asks, plan in 5 minutes, match each solution to it. Model answer and band 6 to 8.
- IELTS opinion essay: how to take a clear position, with a sampleHow to write an IELTS opinion essay: spot the question type, state a clear position, plan in 5 minutes, plus a full sample and band 6 to 8 examples.
- Linking words for IELTS Writing Task 2: what to use and what to cutLinking words for IELTS Writing Task 2 by function, the grammar each one needs, the overuse traps, and a model essay with the key links marked.
- IELTS discussion essay: discuss both views and give your opinionHow to write an IELTS discussion essay: spot the question, plan in 5 minutes, place your opinion, and see one paragraph at band 6, 7 and 8.
- IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay: which version, how to planHow to write an IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay: spot the version in 30 seconds, plan 4 paragraphs, then study a model answer and a band ladder.
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