Writing Task2

In IELTS Writing Task 2, candidates are required to write an essay in response to a specific question or statement. Task 2 is the same for both the General Training (GT) and Academic modules. Here’s a breakdown of the task:

1. Understanding the Prompt: Candidates receive a prompt that presents a specific topic or issue. The prompt may ask for the candidate’s opinion, argumentation, problem-solving, or discussion of a given topic.

2. Identifying the Type of Essay: Task 2 prompts typically fall into one of several categories:

   • Advantages/disadvantages essays: Candidates discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a particular issue or situation.
   • Advantages outweigh Disadvantages essays: In these essays, students will be asked to discuss the advantages of a thing over another.
   • Agree/Disagree essays : In these essays, candidates are asked to agree or disagree with a statement and provide reasons for same.
   • Discuss both views essays: Candidates discuss both sides of an issue and present their own viewpoint.
   • Positive/Negative Development: Candidates will be given a statement and will be asked to discuss the positive or negative reasons for their belief.
   • Problem-solution essays: Candidates identify a problem, discuss its causes and effects, and propose solutions.

   • Cause and Solution Essays: These essays examine the reasons (causes) behind a certain phenomenon and provide solutions to tackle the problem.

   • Two-Part Question Essays: Some essay prompts contain two questions that candidates need to address separately. These essays require candidates to carefully analyze each part of the question and provide relevant responses.

3. Planning: Before writing the essay, candidates should take a few minutes to plan their response. This involves brainstorming ideas, organizing them into a logical structure, and considering the main points to include in each paragraph.

4. Introduction: The essay begins with an introduction that provides background information on the topic and presents the main thesis statement or argument of the essay.

5. Body Paragraphs: The body paragraphs develop the main points introduced in the introduction. Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea and provide supporting evidence, examples, or arguments to strengthen the candidate’s position.

6. Counterarguments (if applicable): For certain types of essays (e.g., discussion essays), candidates may choose to include a paragraph presenting opposing viewpoints or arguments before refuting them and reaffirming their own position.

7. Conclusion: The essay concludes with a summary of the main points discussed in the body paragraphs and a restatement of the thesis or main argument. Candidates may also include a final thought or suggestion related to the topic.

8. Language and Style: Candidates should use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate for academic writing. They should also pay attention to coherence, cohesion, grammar, and punctuation throughout the essay.

9. Length: The recommended length for Task 2 essays is around 250-300 words, although candidates are not penalized for writing more unless they stray off-topic or include irrelevant information.

10. Proofreading: Candidates should take some time to proofread their essay before submitting it to ensure clarity, coherence, and correctness.