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IELTS Writing · Task 2

Task 2: Argumentative essay

You write a formal essay responding to a general issue such as education, the environment, technology or health. The examiner wants a clear position, arguments developed with reasons and examples, and well-organised paragraphs. Because it counts double, Task 2 decides most of your Writing band.

Suggested time
About 40 minutes
Minimum
250 words
Weighting
2/3 of Writing

How it runs

  1. 1Read the prompt twice and identify its type and every part you must answer.
  2. 2Plan for 5 minutes: your position, two main ideas and an example for each.
  3. 3Write 4–5 paragraphs: intro, two or three body paragraphs, conclusion.
  4. 4Leave 3 minutes to check grammar and that your position is consistent.

Question types

  • Opinion (agree / disagree)
  • Discussion (discuss both views)
  • Problem & solution
  • Advantages & disadvantages
  • Two-part question

Sample prompts

  • Some people believe that university education should be free for everyone. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Many cities are becoming increasingly crowded. What are the causes, and what can be done about it?
  • Working from home is becoming more common. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Children today spend too much time on screens. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Answer structure

  1. 01

    Intro + position

    Paraphrase the issue, then state your answer clearly.

  2. 02

    Body 1

    One main idea: topic sentence, explanation, example.

  3. 03

    Body 2

    A second idea or the other side, following the same pattern.

  4. 04

    Conclusion

    Sum up the argument and restate your position. No new ideas.

Sample answer

Question

Some people believe that university education should be free for everyone, while others think students should pay for it. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Answer

Whether higher education should be funded by the state or by students themselves is a long-standing debate. While there are reasonable arguments for charging tuition fees, I believe university should be free, at least for students from low- and middle-income families.

Those who support tuition fees argue that graduates are the main beneficiaries of a degree, since they tend to earn higher salaries over their lifetime. From this perspective, it seems fair that they, rather than taxpayers, should bear the cost...

Why this works

The intro gives a clear position immediately, the body paragraph treats the opposing view fairly before answering it, and the vocabulary is formal without sounding forced.

Tips

  • Do Task 2 first if you often run out of time.
  • One paragraph, one main idea, fully developed.
  • Specific examples beat general claims.
  • Aim for 270–300 words. Longer does not score higher and adds room for errors.

Common mistakes

  • Answering only one half of a two-part question.
  • A position that shifts between the intro and the conclusion.
  • Writing under 250 words.
  • Informal language, contractions (don't, can't) or bullet points.

Other parts