Writing Task 2 is the single biggest lever on your IELTS Writing band. It’s worth twice as much as Task 1, and it’s where almost every mid-6 student leaks marks through structure, not grammar or vocabulary. This guide walks you through the framework I use with every student preparing for Band 7+.
The four-paragraph spine
Every Task 2 essay — agree/disagree, discuss-both-views, problem-solution, two-part question — can be written in four paragraphs, in about 45 minutes, using this spine:
- Introduction (2–3 sentences) — paraphrase the prompt in your own words, then state your position clearly. Do not repeat the prompt verbatim. Do not add quotes or rhetorical questions.
- Body paragraph 1 (4–6 sentences) — topic sentence, explanation, concrete example, mini-summary. One main idea only.
- Body paragraph 2 (4–6 sentences) — same shape, different main idea. If the question is agree/disagree, this paragraph extends the same position; if it’s discuss-both-views, this is the opposing side.
- Conclusion (2–3 sentences) — restate your position in different words, then add one sentence of implication or recommendation. Do not introduce new arguments.
The paragraph template that holds under pressure
Every body paragraph follows the same four beats. Memorise the shape, not the wording:
Under time pressure, students forget the link back — and that is exactly what examiners mark down under Coherence & Cohesion. Write the link-back sentence as a deliberate habit, not a flourish.
Band 6 vs Band 7 — what actually differentiates
The public band descriptors say Band 7 writers have “logically organised ideas” and use “a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision.” In practice, three things separate a 6.5 from a 7:
- One clear position stated in the introduction, maintained throughout, restated in the conclusion. Not “both sides have merit” hedging.
- Paragraphs that do exactly one job. If a paragraph introduces a second main idea halfway through, you lose a band on Coherence. Split it.
- Specific, not generic, examples. “For example, in Finland primary school starts at age 7” beats “for example, in some countries the education system is different.”
A reusable skeleton
For a typical agree/disagree question (“Some people believe X. Do you agree or disagree?”):
- INTRO · paraphrase
- “It is sometimes claimed that…”
- INTRO · position
- “In my view, this is broadly correct because…”
- BODY 1 · topic
- “The strongest argument in favour of X is…”
- BODY 1 · explain
- “This matters because…”
- BODY 1 · example
- “For instance, …”
- BODY 1 · link
- “This demonstrates that…”
- BODY 2 · topic
- “A second reason is…”
- CONCLUSION · restate
- “In conclusion, while [counter-point], the evidence points to…”
- CONCLUSION · implication
- “Policy-makers would therefore do well to…”
Band 6 — vague example
For example, in some countries the education system is different from others, which can lead to different outcomes for students.
Band 7 — specific example
For example, Finland delays formal literacy instruction until age seven and consistently ranks among the top five in PISA — evidence that earlier is not necessarily better.
Spot the structural error
Coherence & cohesion
Which of these openings to a Body 1 paragraph would lose marks under Coherence?
Pick one. You'll see why straight away.
Common traps that bleed marks
Next step
Draft a Task 2 essay using this skeleton, then submit it for mock grading. You’ll receive per-criterion band estimates mapped to the IELTS public descriptors, line-by-line margin comments on exactly where the essay lost marks, and a specific next practice set. That is the fastest loop for moving the band — not more reading about structure, but testing this skeleton against a real prompt.