IELTS General Writing Task 2, Types of Questions, Tips to Succeed

IELTS General Writing Task 2 : The IELTS Writing Section includes two tasks, one of which is IELTS General Writing Task 2. Read this article to find out more about the required topics, examples, and suggestions for the IELTS General Writing Task 2. The IELTS Test has four sections. Every section has a 25% weightage.

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General Writing Task 2 Overview

The IELTS General Training Writing Task 2 is designed to assess how well you can write an essay in English. 

• Time allowed: About 40 minutes

• Minimum word count: 250 words

• Task type: Essay writing

• Essay format: Formal

• Assessment criteria:

• Task Response

• Coherence and Cohesion

• Lexical Resource

• Grammatical Range and Accuracy

IELTS Writing Scoring, Marking Scheme and Score

Types of Essays in IELTS General Writing Task 2

IELTS General Task 2 essays can fall into several categories:

1. Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree)

Example: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “Children should learn how to manage money at school.”

2. Discussion Essay (Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion)

Example: Some people think the government should fund the arts, while others believe it is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

3. Problem and Solution Essay

Example: Many people face difficulties balancing work and personal life. What are the causes of this, and what can be done to solve the problem?

4. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Example: Some people prefer working from home, while others prefer going to the office. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both methods?

5. Double Question Essay

Example: Why do people prefer to live in cities rather than in rural areas? What are the consequences of this trend?

Structure of the Essay

Maintaining a clear and consistent structure helps organize ideas logically. A four-paragraph format is generally effective.

1. Introduction

• Paraphrase the question.

• Briefly state your position (if required).

• Outline what your essay will discuss.

2. Body Paragraph 1

• Present your first main idea.

• Support it with examples or explanations.

• Use linking devices to ensure cohesion.

3. Body Paragraph 2

• Introduce your second main idea.

• Provide supporting evidence or elaboration.

• Maintain logical flow with connectors.

4. Conclusion

• Summarize your key points.

• Restate your opinion clearly (if applicable).

• Avoid introducing new information.

Planning Your Essay

Before you begin writing, spend 5 minutes on planning. A good plan helps maintain clarity and structure.

Steps for Planning:

1. Understand the question

2. Generate ideas

3. Organize your thoughts

4. Plan examples

Common Linking Words and Phrases

Using a range of linking devices makes your essay more coherent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not answering all parts of the question: Failing to fully address each aspect of the prompt can lower your score.

2. Poor paragraphing: Avoid long, unstructured paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea.

3. Repetition of words and ideas: Use synonyms and vary sentence structures to show a broader lexical range.

4. Informal language: Maintain a consistent formal tone throughout the essay.

5. Lack of proofreading: Allocate the last few minutes to check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

Vocabulary Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2

To improve your Lexical Resource score, aim to use topic-specific vocabulary where possible. Here's an example set for a common theme:

Topic: Environment

Sample Essay: Opinion Essay

Prompt: Some people think that children should be taught how to be good members of society. Others believe that school is the best place to learn this. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Essay:

In today’s world, there is growing concern about the moral development of children. While some argue that parents should take full responsibility for teaching their children how to be good members of society, others believe that schools are better equipped for this role. This essay will explore both views before presenting my opinion.

On one hand, many believe that values are best taught at home. Parents are the first role models for children, and behaviors learned in early childhood often form the foundation of future character. At home, children can receive personalized guidance that aligns with the family’s beliefs and culture. Moreover, moral education is not limited to words; it is often learned through observation. Parents who model respectful, kind, and responsible behavior indirectly teach their children to do the same.

On the other hand, schools offer a structured environment where social values can be instilled systematically. Through group activities, team projects, and classroom interactions, students learn about cooperation, respect, and fairness. Teachers can also design lessons that include ethical topics, civic duties, and the importance of community participation. This formal approach ensures that all students, regardless of their family background, receive basic instruction on how to function positively in society.

In my opinion, both parents and schools play crucial roles. Parents provide the foundation, while schools reinforce and build upon those values in a broader social context. Therefore, a collaborative approach is ideal for raising socially responsible individuals.

Guidance of PW IELTS

Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.