IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Plan and Write a Band 7+ Essay

Why Task 2 Is the Key to Your Writing Score

IELTS Writing Task 2 counts for 66% of your writing marks — twice as much as Task 1. You have 40 minutes to write a 250+ word essay responding to a point of view, argument, or problem. The essay must be well-structured, clearly argued, and demonstrate a range of vocabulary and grammar.

For many candidates, the difference between Band 6 and Band 7 isn't English ability — it's essay planning and structure. Here's how to nail both.

Step 1: Understand the Essay Types

Before you can plan, you need to know what the question is asking. There are 4 main types:

Opinion (Agree/Disagree)

"To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

You must give a clear position and support it throughout. You can fully agree, fully disagree, or partially agree — but be clear.

Discussion (Both Views)

"Discuss both views and give your opinion."

You must discuss both sides and then give your own opinion. Don't just present one side.

Problem & Solution

"What are the problems and what solutions can you suggest?"

Identify 2-3 problems and propose realistic solutions for each.

Two-Part Question

"Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?"

Answer both parts — don't focus on only one. Each part should get its own body paragraph.

Step 2: The 5-Minute Planning Method

Spending 5 minutes planning saves time and dramatically improves your essay quality. Here's exactly how:

Minute 1: Read the question twice. Underline the key topic and the task instruction (agree/disagree, discuss both, etc.)

Minute 2: Decide your position/answer. Write it in one sentence.

Minute 3-4: Brainstorm 2-3 main ideas for each body paragraph. Write keywords only.

Minute 5: Decide your paragraph order and check that each idea directly answers the question.

Example Plan

Question: "Some people think that the government should invest in public transportation rather than building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

Position: Mostly agree — public transport is better long-term

Body 1 (FOR public transport): reduces traffic congestion, better for environment (lower emissions), example: London Underground

Body 2 (BUT roads still needed): rural areas need roads (no public transport viable), goods transport requires roads, balance needed

Conclusion: Agree but acknowledge roads necessary too

Step 3: Write the Essay

Introduction (2-3 sentences)

1. Paraphrase the topic — Don't copy the question
2. State your position clearly

Example: "There is an ongoing debate about whether government spending should prioritise public transportation over road construction. While I believe that investing in public transport should be the priority, I acknowledge that road infrastructure remains important in certain contexts."

Examiner insight: Your introduction should be concise. Don't waste time on long background statements. Get to your thesis quickly. Two or three sentences is enough.

Body Paragraph 1 (Your Main Argument)

Follow the T-E-E-L structure:

• T — Topic sentence: State the paragraph's main point
• E — Explain: Develop the idea with reasoning
• E — Example: Support with evidence or an example
• L — Link: Connect back to the question or transition to next paragraph

Example: "The primary reason public transportation deserves greater investment is its potential to reduce urban congestion. When cities develop efficient metro and bus networks, commuters are incentivised to leave their cars at home, which eases traffic flow significantly. London's Underground system, for instance, carries over 5 million passengers daily — without it, the city's roads would be completely gridlocked. Therefore, channelling funds into such infrastructure yields substantial benefits for the majority of urban residents."

Body Paragraph 2 (Counter-Argument or Second Point)

Same T-E-E-L structure but for your second point or the opposing view.

Conclusion (2-3 sentences)

1. Restate your position (in different words)
2. Summarise your key argument
3. Optionally, add a future-looking statement

Example: "In conclusion, while road construction remains necessary for rural connectivity and freight transport, I firmly believe that public transportation should receive the larger share of government investment. This approach not only addresses traffic congestion but also contributes to environmental sustainability in the long term."

Essential Linking Words

Introducing ideas

Firstly, To begin with, The primary reason is

Adding points

Furthermore, In addition, Moreover, Another key point is

Contrasting

However, On the other hand, Nevertheless, Despite this, Although

Giving examples

For instance, For example, To illustrate, A case in point is

Concluding

In conclusion, To sum up, Overall, Ultimately

Warning: Don't overuse linking words. One per sentence is enough. Using "Furthermore, moreover, additionally" in consecutive sentences sounds mechanical, not natural.

Word Count Strategy

| Words | Risk |

|-------|------|

| Under 250 | Automatic -0.5 band penalty |

| 250-270 | Safe minimum |

| 270-300 | Ideal range |

| Over 320 | Probably too long — more chance of errors |

More words doesn't mean a better score. A focused, well-structured 280-word essay beats a rambling 350-word one every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. No clear position — The examiner must know your opinion from the introduction
2. Only one body paragraph — You need at least two well-developed body paragraphs
3. No conclusion — Even a 2-sentence conclusion is better than nothing
4. Off-topic ideas — Every sentence should relate to the question
5. Listing ideas without development — One well-developed idea beats five undeveloped ones
6. Spending too long — Stick to 40 minutes. If time runs out, write your conclusion immediately

Quick Summary

• Task 2 is worth 66% of your writing marks — give it 40 minutes
• Identify the essay type first (opinion, discussion, problem/solution, two-part)
• Plan for 5 minutes before writing — brainstorm ideas, decide structure
• Use the T-E-E-L structure for body paragraphs
• Write 270-300 words — enough to develop ideas, not so many you lose control
• Always write a conclusion — even if you're running out of time
• Use linking words naturally — don't force them