IELTS Writing Task 2 Essays
In the Academic IELTS writing exam task 2, there are 5 types of questions and each of these has a slightly different approach. IELTS essays are discursive essays and not the same type of essay you would have to write at University. There is a minimum word count of 250 words and no more than 5 body paragraphs in IELTS essays.
You need to analyse the question first, find the issues in the question, plan and organise ideas, write supporting points and specific examples, paraphrase well, give a good introduction and conclusion. There is a lot to do.
If you don’t use the right approach then it will be very difficult to raise your score you need to have a good foundation of grammar and vocabulary to get to Band 7. Some people become obsessed with a Band 9, but Band 9 is quite rare in IELTS writing task 2. Most universities or companies only require Band 7 or 8.
IELTS essays are marked according to specific marking criteria set out by Cambridge, so if you know what the examiner is looking for, then you have a good chance of getting a good band score. Some students have very good English skills but are not familiar with the way IELTS essays are marked and end up losing a band score because of this.
Click here for the marking criteria in IELTS writing task 2.
5 types of essay questions in IELTS Writing task 2.
1. Advantages and disadvantages essay
2. Opinion essay
3. Discussion essay
4. Two-part question essay / Direct question essay
5. Problem solution essay / Causes solution essay
Model Answers
IELTS discussion essay model answer on work and migration (IELTS 17 book).
IELTS discussion essay model answer on the topic of education
IELTS advantage disadvantage (outweigh) essay model answer and structures.
IELTS two-part question essay model answer on homes (IELTS 16 book)
IELTS two-part question essay model answer on owning or renting a home.
IELTS opinion essay on the role of newspapers and books in the future
Crime and punishment vocabulary with a crime essay model answer
IELTS opinion essay model answer on the topic of wealth
IELTS opinion essay model answer on ‘choice’ with structure and analysis
IELTS causes solutions essay on the topic of endangered animals (video)
7 model answers for the 5 different types of essays in IELTS
How to write a causes solution essay with a model answer
Important tips/lessons about IELTS essays
Writing an essay introduction without paraphrasing
Time management issues in your writing (video)
7 step guide to writing examples in main body paragraphs
Realistic expectations when preparing for IELTS
Why a Band 9 student was stuck at Band 6.5 in writing
IELTS Discussion essay language: Expressing others views
Complex sentences lesson: using ‘tend to’ ‘That’ clauses and modals
Words and phrases to avoid in the IELTS writing section
Balancing your opinion in an IELTS essay
3 types of advantage disadvantage essays.
The difference between a problem solution and causes solution essay
How to write effective body paragraphs in IELTS essays
How many words should be in an IELTS essay?
Video Lesson: 8 reasons why you are not getting Band 7
Setting up your personalised study plan
9 things that are stopping you from getting a Band 7
Referencing in IELTS: avoiding repetition with pronouns
Handwriting, paragraphing and using the official IELTS answer sheet
Key points about learning new vocabulary
Keeping it simple and concise in your writing
The danger of putting memorised sentences in essays
Why does this essay score Band 6?
5 things to do before writing your essay
Time management in IELTS writing
Clearing up confusion in IELTS
IELTS Grammar: how to use conjunctions in essays.
When should I write my opinion in an IELTS essay?
Step by step Guide to paraphrasing in IELTS Writing
Paraphrasing lesson 1 and practice exercise
Paraphrasing lesson 2 and practice for introductions
Step by step guide to using cohesive devices in IELTS writing
Using personal pronouns in IELTS essays
How to write an effective conclusion
The importance of analysing an IELTS essay question
How to write a thesis statement in IELTS essays
Writing complex sentences in IELTS essays
How to think of ideas for your essay
How to write a good introduction to a problem solution essay
How to identify the 5 types of IELTS task 2 essays
