IELTS Writing Guide

IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Reach Band 7+

Task 2 is the essay — 250+ words in 40 minutes — and it carries about two-thirds of your IELTS Writing band. This guide breaks down the four marking criteria, the structure that works, and exactly what separates a Band 6 from a Band 7.

In short

Task 2 is a 250-word essay in 40 minutes, worth about two-thirds of the IELTS Writing band — prioritise it.
It is marked on four equal criteria: Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy.
Band 7 needs a clear position held throughout, logical paragraphing, some less common vocabulary, and mostly error-free complex sentences.

The 4 criteria at Band 6, 7 and 8

Each criterion is 25% of your Task 2 score. Most candidates stall at Band 6.5 on Task Response and Grammatical Range — knowing what the next band requires is how you move up.

Criterion (25% each)	Band 6	Band 7	Band 8
Task Response	Addresses the task but position may be unclear or partly developed.	Addresses all parts; clear position maintained throughout; ideas extended.	Fully addresses all parts; well-developed, relevant ideas throughout.
Coherence & Cohesion	Arranged coherently but cohesion can be faulty or mechanical.	Logical progression; range of cohesive devices; clear central topic per paragraph.	Sequenced logically; cohesion managed so it attracts no attention.
Lexical Resource	Adequate vocabulary; some errors in word choice or spelling.	Some less common vocabulary and collocation; occasional errors only.	Wide resource used fluently; rare, minor slips.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	Mix of simple and complex forms; errors that rarely impede meaning.	Variety of complex structures; majority of sentences error-free.	Wide range; the vast majority of sentences error-free.

Summarised from the public IELTS Task 2 band descriptors (British Council / IDP / Cambridge Assessment English).

The reliable 4-paragraph structure

Introduction

Paraphrase the question in one or two sentences, then state your position or outline clearly. The examiner should know your stance before the body begins.

Body paragraph 1

One main idea. Open with a topic sentence, explain it, then support it with a specific example or consequence. Do not list several ideas thinly.

Body paragraph 2

A second distinct idea, developed the same way. For discussion essays, this is where the other view or your counter-argument goes.

Conclusion

Restate your position in different words and summarise your two main points. No new ideas. Two sentences is enough.

The same structure adapts to every Task 2 type — opinion (agree/disagree), discussion (both views), advantages and disadvantages, problem and solution, and two-part questions. What changes is what goes in each body paragraph, not the number of paragraphs.

What caps most candidates at Band 6.5

Not answering every part of the question — a two-part prompt with one part ignored cannot pass Task Response.
No clear position, or a position that drifts between paragraphs.
Memorised template phrases that do not fit the specific question — examiners discount them.
Listing several ideas without developing any — depth beats breadth at Band 7.
Writing under 250 words, which is penalised directly on Task Response.
Only simple sentences — Band 7 needs a variety of complex structures, mostly error-free.

The 5 Task 2 essay types

Each prompt is one of five types, and each has its own paragraph plan. Pick yours for a type-specific Band 7 guide.

Opinion (Agree / Disagree)

Take one clear position and hold it throughout.

Read guide

Discussion (Both Views)

Cover both sides fairly, then give your opinion.

Read guide

Advantages & Disadvantages

Weigh both — and give a verdict if asked to.

Read guide

Problem & Solution

Match each solution to a problem you raise.

Read guide

Two-Part Question

Answer both direct questions in full.

Read guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is IELTS Writing Task 2 and how many words?

You have 40 minutes for Task 2 and must write at least 250 words. Task 2 is worth roughly two-thirds of your overall Writing band score, so spend the larger share of your 60-minute Writing test on it. Writing under 250 words is penalised on Task Response.

How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?

Task 2 is marked on four equally weighted criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each contributes 25% of the Task 2 band, and Task 2 itself contributes about two-thirds of the Writing sub-score.

What does a Band 7 look like in IELTS Writing Task 2?

A Band 7 essay addresses all parts of the task with a clear position maintained throughout, organises ideas logically with a range of cohesive devices, uses some less common vocabulary with occasional errors, and produces a variety of complex sentences with the majority error-free.

How many paragraphs should an IELTS Task 2 essay have?

Four is the reliable structure: an introduction that paraphrases the question and states your position, two body paragraphs each developing one main idea with explanation and an example, and a short conclusion that restates your position. Quality of development matters more than paragraph count.

What is the difference between Task 1 and Task 2?

Task 1 (150+ words, 20 minutes) describes visual data in Academic or a letter in General Training. Task 2 (250+ words, 40 minutes) is an essay responding to an argument or problem. Task 2 carries about twice the weight of Task 1 in the Writing band.

Can I get my IELTS Task 2 essay marked?

Yes. The Writing Correction Service marks IELTS Task 1 and Task 2 against all four official criteria with line-by-line feedback and a predicted band score, returned in 48 hours.

IELTS Writing Correction

Get your Task 2 essay marked against all four criteria

Submit a Task 2 essay and receive line-by-line feedback and a predicted band score from experienced teachers, returned in 48 hours — so you know exactly which criterion is holding your band back.

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