IELTS Writing Task 2: A Structure That Scores Band 7
By GradMate.ai Editorial Team · Published October 31, 2026 · 3 min read
Task 2 is the longer essay in IELTS Writing, and it counts for twice as much as Task 1. You have about 40 minutes and need at least 250 words. A fixed plan removes most of the stress and most of the mistakes.
How Task 2 is marked
Examiners give a band on four criteria and average them:
- Task Response: do you answer every part of the question, with a clear position and developed ideas?
- Coherence and Cohesion: is the essay logically organised, in clear paragraphs, with sensible linking?
- Lexical Resource: range and precision of vocabulary, including correct spelling.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: a mix of simple and complex sentences, and how few errors there are.
Short essays are penalised. Aim for 260 to 300 words; going far above does not help and uses time you need to check.
Step 1: Read the question carefully (1 minute)
Underline the topic and the task words. A single question can contain two parts, for example "Discuss both views and give your opinion". If you only answer one part, Task Response is capped at a lower band. Common types:
- Opinion: "To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
- Discussion: "Discuss both views and give your opinion."
- Problem and solution: "What are the causes and what can be done?"
- Two-part question: two separate questions to answer.
- Advantages and disadvantages: sometimes with "do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?"
Step 2: Plan (3 to 4 minutes)
Write your position in one line, then two main ideas for the body, each with a reason and an example. A plan with a clear opinion is easier to write fluently than improvising.
Step 3: Write four paragraphs
Introduction (2 to 3 sentences). Paraphrase the question in your own words, then state your position or outline what you will discuss. Do not copy the question.
Body paragraph 1 (about 90 words). One main idea. Use: topic sentence, explanation, a specific example, and a short link back to the question.
Body paragraph 2 (about 90 words). A second idea, or the opposing view if the task asks for both. Same structure.
Conclusion (2 sentences). Restate your position and summarise the main reasons. Do not introduce new ideas.
Step 4: Check (3 minutes)
Check the things examiners count: complete answer to every part, spelling, articles (a, an, the), subject-verb agreement, and paragraphs. Make sure you wrote at least 250 words.
What lifts a band 6 to a band 7
- A clear position that stays the same from the introduction to the conclusion.
- Developed ideas: explain why and give an example, rather than listing points.
- Natural linking, not a pile of "Moreover, Furthermore, In addition" at the start of every sentence.
- Precise vocabulary in place of memorised "impressive" words used wrongly.
- A range of sentence structures, including some complex sentences with few errors.
- Control of errors: a few small slips are acceptable at band 7, but frequent errors that cause confusion are not.
Common mistakes
- Writing a general essay on the topic instead of answering the specific question.
- Memorised templates that do not fit the question.
- Overlong introductions and no real example in the body.
- Under 250 words.
- Changing opinion halfway through.
Practising effectively
Write under time and get feedback on each of the four criteria, not only a score. GradMate IELTS marks Writing on the official criteria and tells you which one is holding your band back. Read how the overall band is calculated to see how Writing fits in.
Frequently asked questions
How many words should an IELTS Task 2 essay be?
At least 250 words. Most strong essays are between 260 and 300 words.
How long should I spend on Task 2?
About 40 minutes, including planning and checking. Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2.
How many paragraphs should I write?
Four is a safe structure: introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion. Some questions need three body paragraphs.
Should I use memorised templates?
You can use a basic structure, but not memorised sentences that ignore the question. Examiners are trained to recognise them and may lower your Task Response and Lexical Resource.