Decoding IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions
February 15, 2022
For most Academic IELTS candidates, thinking about writing an entire Task 2 essay in English in just 40 minutes creates feelings of stress and anxiety. Even for native speakers, timed writing activities can be challenging. However, think of Task 2 like a game: you learn the rules, you practice the strategies, and guess what… you become the champion with the high IELTS score!
The Basic Rules
Fortunately, the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 instructions are always the same; the only thing that changes is the prompt itself. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- First: You are given a time limit – complete the essay in 40 minutes.
- Second: You will see the prompt directly underneath the statement: “Write about the following topic.”
- Third: You are asked to give reasons as well as share any relevant examples from your own experience.
- Last: You are told to write at least 250 words (this may appear at the beginning of the instructions on the Computer-based IELTS exam).
That’s it! Every Task 2 question that you practice with will be introduced to you this way. Please be sure that you are using academic language as you write. Do not use any contractions or slang; more formal language is required for the IELTS Writing test!
Strategies for Structuring Your Essay
Alright, now that you know what needs to be done, let’s dig into the actual question. Not all Task 2 prompts are created equal; different prompts will ask you to write about different things. Be sure that you read your prompt very carefully so that you know exactly what you need to include. Here are some of the most popular types of essay prompts:
- Agree or Disagree: This prompt will ask you to make a choice. You need to choose one side or the other and explain why you feel that way. Keep in mind, you can always make up your answer; you don’t necessarily need to write about your feelings on the matter (or if you don’t have an opinion at all).
Strategy: Choose two solid reasons that support your choice. The first reason will be the topic of your first body paragraph. The second reason will be the topic of your second body paragraph.
- Discuss Both Views: This prompt will present an argument to you. You might (or might not) be asked to provide your own opinion on the matter. Read the prompt carefully – if you are not asked for your personal opinion, do not write it!
Strategy: Present each side of the argument in its own body paragraph. For instance, explain one view in the first body paragraph, and the other view in the second body paragraph. If you are asked to give your opinion, provide it (along with your reasoning) in the conclusion of the essay.
- The Two-Parter!: This prompt will ask you to write about two separate things in your essay. You might be asked to:
- choose whether you agree or disagree + offer solutions
- describe causes + discuss effects
- describe causes + offer solutions
- discuss effects + offer solutions
- discuss effects + explain why they are positive or negative
There are many different kinds of “two-parter” essay questions. In order to get a high score on your essay, be sure to complete BOTH parts of this prompt. Read your prompt very carefully to understand what you must do.
Strategy: The first body paragraph of your essay should describe the first part of the prompt. The second body paragraph should describe the second part of the prompt. Do not switch the order. Once again, do not write about your opinion unless the prompt specifically tells you to! Usually, with this type of prompt, you are not asked for your opinion.
Hopefully, these few tips will help you improve your performance on IELTS Writing Task 2. Keep on practicing, and good luck on your future exam!
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