IELTS Writing Task 2: An Essay Structure That Reaches Band 7
A step-by-step guide to IELTS Writing Task 2: question types, the four-paragraph structure, how to build an argument, and a band 7 sample essay.
Why Task 2 decides your score
Task 2 is worth two thirds of your Writing score. The essay is at least 250 words, written in 40 minutes, and assessed on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
The good news: a solid essay structure can be learned and reused for almost any question.
Know the five question types
| Type | Question wording | What is required |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | To what extent do you agree or disagree? | A clear position and reasons |
| Discussion | Discuss both views and give your opinion | Both sides, then your view |
| Problem and solution | What problems does this cause? What solutions? | Problems and ways out |
| Advantages and disadvantages | Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? | Weigh both sides |
| Two-part question | Why is this? Is it a positive development? | Answer two separate questions |
Misreading the question type is the most common reason Task Response drops to band 5.
The four-paragraph structure
Paragraph 1: Introduction (40–50 words)
- Paraphrase the question in your own words
- State your thesis: your position or what you will discuss
While some argue that university education should be free for everyone, I believe that students should contribute to the cost, as this encourages commitment and eases the burden on taxpayers.
Paragraph 2: First main argument (80–100 words)
- A clear topic sentence
- Explanation
- A concrete example
- A closing sentence that links back to the thesis
Paragraph 3: Second main argument (80–100 words)
Same pattern as paragraph 2. For a discussion question, this paragraph covers the opposing side.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion (30–40 words)
- Summarise your position
- Do not add new ideas
Building a body paragraph
Use the PEEL pattern: Point, Explain, Example, Link.
Point: Charging tuition fees makes students take their studies more seriously. Explain: When people invest their own money, they tend to value the opportunity and attend classes more consistently. Example: At many universities, for instance, students paying their own fees often report higher attendance rates than those on fully funded scholarships. Link: This suggests that financial contribution encourages a stronger commitment to learning.
One paragraph, one idea. Two ideas covered halfway is worse than one idea covered fully.
Linking words that score
Band 7 for Coherence demands linking words used accurately, not as many as possible.
- Adding: furthermore, in addition, moreover
- Contrasting: whereas, on the other hand, in contrast
- Cause and effect: as a result, consequently, this means that
- Examples: for instance, a clear example of this is
Avoid stacking a linker at the start of every sentence. An essay where every sentence opens with Moreover or Furthermore sounds mechanical.
Managing the 40 minutes
| Minutes | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0–5 | Analyse the question, write an outline |
| 5–30 | Write the four paragraphs |
| 30–37 | Check grammar and spelling |
| 37–40 | Count words, tidy up |
Practice on Wono IELTS uses the same 40-minute timer, and the AI examiner immediately gives a band per criterion plus an improved version of your own essay.
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