IELTS Writing Task 2 Guide and Tips

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is the last part of the IELTS Test. It is definitely more challenging than the IELTS Writing Task 1. Time and again, this is the part of the IELTS Test that most candidates claim gave them the most challenging time. 

Aside from the time not being enough, the prompts given are something they do not know of. Moreover, the IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to have the skills in writing that most candidates have failed to study and review for. 

Our goal is to give you your best chance of making your IELTS journey a breeze, so in this article, we have gathered every detail there is to know about IELTS Writing Task 2. 


What is IELTS Writing Task 2?

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second and final part of the IELTS Writing Test

It is the same for the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training modules.

You are required to write at least 250 words and are advised to spend 40 minutes (out of the 60 minutes) because this task has more weight. 

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, you are required to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. 

It evaluates your ability to:

  • offer a coherent, relevant, well-structured argument
  • support concepts with evidence or examples
  • use language correctly

How are the Questions Set in IELTS Writing Task 2?

You will come across different question types in the IELTS Writing Task 2. Keep in mind that each type of question requires a different technique and strategy to accomplish. 

To prepare you for the IELTS Writing Task 2, here are the different types of questions that you need yourself to familiarize with: 

1. Opinion Essays 

These are among the most prevalent types of IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and are also known as ‘agree or disagree’ or argumentative essays.

This type of question asks for a response.

The opinion will almost always be preceded by a factual statement to provide context. From there, the inquiry will usually be something along the lines of ‘To what extent do you agree or disagree with…’ or something similar.

Examples: 

Some argue that violence on television and in video games has a negative impact on society. Others argue that none of these elements substantially impact people's decisions.  

What is your opinion?
Having a high compensation is more important than job satisfaction. 

Do you agree or disagree? 
All schools should mandate the use of school uniforms.  

To what extent do you agree? 

Key Tips to Write Opinion Essays:

  • Select one side of the argument.
  • In the introduction, express your point of view clearly.
  • Maintain the same point of view throughout the article.
  • Give reasons for your position.

2. Discussion Essays

You need to discuss both sides of an argument in discussion essays. You will almost always be asked for your viewpoint as well. Choosing one point of view to agree with and one side to disagree with is the simplest method to approach this type of IELTS Writing Task 2 question.

Examples:

Some believe that students should not be given homework, while others believe that homework plays a vital role in education.  

Discuss your opinion on both views. 
Computers are increasingly being employed in education. Some believe this is a beneficial development, while others believe it is having detrimental implications. 

Discuss your opinion on both views. 
It is widely assumed that television, pop culture, and friends are the primary influences on a child's development nowadays. A different viewpoint is that family is the most important factor. 

Discuss your opinion on both views. 

Key Tips to Write Discussion Essays: 

  • Both sides of the argument should be developed.
  • Start with the point of view which you disagree with.

3. Problem Essays

This is also known as ’causes and solutions’ or ‘problems and solutions.

This IELTS Writing Task 2 question begins with a statement and then asks you to discuss the difficulties or reasons, as well as the solutions.

Examples:

The internet has changed the way people share and consume information, but it has also generated challenges that did not exist previously.  

What are the most important issues relating to the internet, and what remedies can you offer?
The overcrowding of cities has resulted in a slew of issues. 

Identify one or two important issues and offer suggestions for how governments and individuals may address them.
Many individuals nowadays have widespread access to computers, and many children play computer games.  

What are the negative consequences of playing computer games, and how may they be mitigated?

Key Tips to Write Problem Essays:

  • Do not make a long list of possible reasons and solutions.
  • Pick one or two and devote all of your attention to them.
  • Make a connection between each problem/cause and its solution.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages Essays 

This question type will offer details regarding a typical circumstance or activity and then ask you to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of that situation or practice.

However, the phrases ‘advantages’ and ‘disadvantages’ will almost always appear in the question. And at least one of those two words will always appear.

Examples:

Workers and students are becoming more mobile due to modern transportation, and they have more options to study and work overseas.  

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this new development?
Some choose to live in a house, while some believe that living in an apartment offers more benefits. 

Are there more pros to living in a house than there are to living in an apartment?
According to several experts, children should start learning a foreign language in primary school rather than secondary school. 

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Key Tips:

  • Paraphrase the question
  • Have and outline the main ideas
  • Express your opinion (if required)

5. Double Question Essays

The question will begin with a brief description of a situation or a frequent behavior. The presence of two questions at the end of the prompt can be used to identify two-parters.

Although two-part questions have a structure similar to cause/solution questions, they do not always challenge you to determine the cause or remedy to a problem.

Examples:

People are increasingly eating food from other regions of the world rather than eating food from their own country.  

What do you believe is the source of this trend? Is this a positive or negative trend?
Fossil fuels are required for the generation of electricity, the powering of industry, and the transportation of goods. However, at some point in the future, all of the world's fossil fuels will be depleted. 

What can we do to protect these resources? What are some fossil-fuel alternatives?
Some parents will buy their children whatever they want and let them do whatever they want. 

Is this a decent way to bring up kids? What long-term repercussions might this parenting approach have for children?

Key Tips to Write Double Question Essay:

  • Both questions must be answered thoroughly.
  • It is not to be confused with an opinion or a debate essay.
  • Make sure you do not come up with too many topics to write about.


How is IELTS Writing Task 2 Scored?

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is marked based on the following criteria:

  • Task Achievement – 25%
  • Coherence and Cohesion – 25%
  • Lexical Resource – 25%
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy – 25%

How to Score Well in Four Score Categories?

Task Achievement 

  • Answer the question directly: Do not beat around the bush. State what is being asked in your first statement. Do not go off-topic and let the examiner know that you came prepared. Writing topics unrelated to the topic leads to low marks in the IELTS Writing Task 2. 
  • Support your reasons with valid claims:. Not justifying your opinions with reasonable claims decreases your chance of getting a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2. When you state your reasons, make it a point that you have enough knowledge of what you are talking about. If you do not, think of another perspective with which you will make a stand.
  • Develop these reasons within the context of the question: As your writing progresses, ensure that your ideas are well developed. Do not stray away from the given topic, and make it a point that everything you discuss in your writing answers the given question. 

Coherence and Cohesion

  • Use punctuation marks correctly: Understand that long phrases in your essay grow more complex as you write them. You may utilize punctuation to give the readers small breaks and fully comprehend the concept. If your sentences are longer than three or four sentences, you cannot use punctuation to split them up. They must be well-structured. Allow for consistency and flow in your writing and speaking.
  • Be clear and precise: Avoid sentences that do not help develop your ideas. Most candidates commit the mistake of including concepts that have nothing to do with the given topic to meet the required number of words. You do not want to make the same mistake. Set your ideas straight. Maintain consistency. 
  • Utilize transition words:  Transition words must be used if you wish your writing to be coherent, ordered, and linked together. They help you make your response more organized. Transition words also demonstrate apparent connections between your ideas. They aid the examiner in understanding the logic of your ideas by assisting in the efficient delivery of your essay.
  • Do not overuse cohesive devices:  In a single paragraph, you should avoid using too many connectors. Your writing will not sound natural and smooth if you use too many linking words. It may also perplex the examiner as they read your essay. Pronouns and dependent clauses can be used instead of needless connectors to achieve your goal.

Lexical Resource

  • Avoid repetition of words: Use common nouns, verbs, and adjectives sparingly. If you use basic terms like ‘growing’ in one sentence, replace it with ‘increasing’ or ‘burgeoning’ in the next one. This makes you appear impressive to the examiner, who may award you a higher mark. For practically every term, there are usually better and more advanced synonyms. A good IELTS score is mainly determined by the words you use.
  • Paraphrase: Candidates are constantly advised not to copy words directly from the task. It will make a negative impression on the examiner and result in low marks. Because copying is never a good idea, we recommend that you practice and always strive to reframe the sentence. If synonyms are essential and appropriate to the issue, do not forget to utilize them. 
  • (But) Do not paraphrase every word: Accept that you will not be able to paraphrase every single word. There are synonyms for many words, but it does not mean another substitute or synonym will convey the same meaning. Be cautious; powerful words may cause the context to shift slightly. Synonyms can be challenging to use, as their meanings might change. So, only use a synonym if you are certain that it will improve the statement.
  • Make use of collocation: Collocation makes it simple to express yourself. Collocations are more concise, sharp, and natural-looking. It demonstrates that you are fluent in the English language. This will only happen as you continue to practice. With practice, you can achieve your target band and demonstrate that you can efficiently employ words to construct a proper statement.
  • Learn topic-related vocabulary: Our vocabulary demonstrates how diverse our language is in terms of words. You must know certain topic-related words to demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary. It will assist you in using acceptable words when discussing the related topic.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

1. Learn the Different Kinds of Sentences: 

Understanding the basic types of sentences is another key that will help you score well in the IELTS Writing Task 2. However, make sure you utilize them correctly. The different kinds of sentences are:

a. Simple Sentences: 

They have only one clause, with a single subject and a single predicate.

Examples of Simple Sentences:

“She loves reading fiction novels.”

Subject – “She”

Predicate – “loves reading fiction novels.”
“They visit their grandparents every year.”

Subject – “They”

Predicate – “visit their grandparents every year”
b. Compound Sentences:

They have two or more independent clauses, usually connected by a conjunction

Examples of Compound Sentences:

“The phone rang, and she hurriedly picked it up.”

1st clause – “The phone rang”

2nd clause – “She hurriedly picked it up”

Conjunction – “and”
“She went to the venue, but the party was over.”

1st clause – “She went to the venue.”

2nd clause – “The party was over.”

Conjunction – “but” 
c. Complex Sentences:

They have one or more dependent clauses and a single independent clause.

Examples of Complex Sentences:

“She packed her things before heading to the airport.”

Dependent clause – “Before heading to the airport.”

Independent clause – “She packed her things.”
“I will go to the doctor but not today.”

Dependent clause – “Not today.”

Independent clause – “I will go to the doctor.”

2. Use Conjunctions

Words that ‘join’ two sections of a sentence or independent phrases within a sentence together are known as conjunctions.

Coordinating conjunctions, such as ‘and,’ ‘but,’ ‘or,’ ‘yet,’ and ‘so,’ is used to connect two grammatically equal elements of a sentence. 

On the other hand, subordinating conjunctions can be more challenging to learn. A subordinate (or dependent) clause is joined to a primary (or independent) clause using subordinating conjunctions. They are a necessary component of a complex sentence. In most cases, subordinating conjunctions appear at the start of the subordinate clause.

Examples of Conjunctions: 

Coordinating Conjunctions: 
They went to the mall and watched a movie.
She went to the venue, but the party was over. 
Would you like coffee or juice?

Subordinating Conjunctions:

Did she say anything before she left? 
I met her when I was in New York. 
He went to school despite being sick. 

3. Use Relative Pronouns:

Pronouns are used to replace moderate nouns at the most basic level. Personal pronouns like ‘I,’ ‘me,’ ‘he,’ ‘she,’ and ‘you’ are usually more recognizable to us.

When linking subordinate clauses in sentences, relative pronouns are vital parts of speech to use. ‘Who,’ ‘whose,’ ‘which,’ ‘whoever,’ ‘anyone,’ ‘whichever,’ and ‘that’ are the most common relative pronouns.

Examples:

The man who called this morning wants to buy the car. 
Did you receive the gift that I sent you? 
He is a person whose opinions I respect. 

Helpful Strategies to Use IELTS Writing Task 2

Achieving a high band score in the IELTS Writing Task will be your ultimate ticket to achieving your dreams.

To achieve it, here are the most effective strategies you can utilize to score high in the IELTS Writing Task 2. 

  • Answer the questions directly: Answer the question as it has been posed to you. Do not write an essay on a topic you have already thought about. Make sure that your examples and ideas are applicable. If you take a broad view and are not specific enough, it will alter how the examiner perceives your ideas.
  • Complete the question in its entirety: You must carefully study the question and determine how many components it has. To get a band 7 or higher, you must answer all portions of the question. Remember that it is critical to give a clear perspective when responding to the statement to demonstrate that you understand the issue and to maintain that position throughout the essay.
  • Use linking phrases to help you organize your essay: Starting with an introduction and working through to a conclusion, ideas must be properly defined and arranged. If you are requested to present both points of view and your viewpoint, start with your opinion and then move on to the other points of view. After that, you can return to your point of view and finish the essay. This is a logical order in which to communicate these concepts.
  • Divide your essays into paragraphs:  Use paragraphs to divide your essay into distinct sections. This makes it easier for the examiner to read your essay. Make sure each paragraph is clear and has a well-developed topic that is at least three sentences long. It also demonstrates that you can logically organize and communicate your thoughts and ideas.
  • Use uncommon vocabulary and make sure it is spelled correctly: Old-fashioned words that are not utilized in ordinary conversation should be avoided. If you use a synonym, make sure it has the same meaning and does not change the meaning of the topic you are presenting. Use both common and rare terminology when learning a language. You may also use phrasal verbs when we address specific themes or employ idiomatic language.
  • Do not utilize words, phrases, or examples that you have memorized: Avoid using any memorized words, phrases, or instances throughout your writing. They do not exhibit your ability to write eloquently. Examiners can easily notice these. Furthermore, they should not be used in writing since they are ambiguous and do not adequately address a task. You should constantly use simple language and proper word selections to explain your thoughts effectively.
  • Make use of a wide range of sophisticated sentence forms: You should be able to accurately communicate your ideas and opinions using a variety of frameworks. Demonstrate to the examiner that you can employ a variety of structures and that your sentences are free of errors. Employ a mix of sophisticated and simple sentences in your writing. However, keep in mind that your complex sentences should not be too long or convoluted. Your punctuation should also be flawless, with proper capitalization, commas, and full stops.

Top Tips to Prepare for IELTS Writing Task 2

Preparing for arguably the most challenging part of the IELTS Test could be challenging. The good news is that there are ways to make yourself ready when you finally have to take the test.   

  • Examine the questions and practice analyzing them: One of the most common concerns among the IELTS Test candidates is that they may misunderstand the IELTS Writing Task 2 essay question. Either they do not know what kind of essay it is (is it a discussion essay?), or they do not know what type of essay it is. At times, they are also unsure of the question’s content.
  • Learn how to brainstorm and outline:  Unfortunately, solid English grammar and vocabulary alone are insufficient. You should practice thinking of topics to write about because the IELTS examiner assesses your ability to make coherent and ordered responses. As a result, for your IELTS Writing Task 2 responses, you should practice brainstorming and outlining ideas.
  • Read editorials and news commentaries: In the IELTS Writing Task 2, it is critical to sound ‘natural.’ Thus, you should read and study native writers’ ‘writing style.’ Reading news editorial, commentary, opinion, and analysis items will help you discover how native English speakers construct arguments in their writing. Take note of how they employ adverbs, conjunctive phrases, and pronouns to make fascinating transitions from one thought to the next. Examine how they express themselves in sentences and back up their claims in the same or subsequent words.
  • Do daily journal-writing: Since we advise that you write your IELTS Writing Task 2 response in 40 minutes, you must be able to write quickly. Hence, journal writing is one of the finest strategies to develop these two skills. This is where you spend 10-20 minutes (or 30-40 minutes!) writing about whatever you choose each morning or evening. It makes no difference what you write about. What matters is that you keep trying to produce more words in the same period while maintaining a readable level of writing. 

Keeping track of how many words you can write in a certain length of time is a good idea. Continue to challenge yourself to write more words while maintaining good, legible penmanship. You can use this time to write in your diary or to express your feelings and ideas about the events of the day. 

For a thorough and comprehensive guide on how to prepare for the entire IELTS test, check out our comprehensive IELTS preparation guide.


Sample Questions and Model Answers for IELTS Writing Task 2

Analyzing and looking into the tiniest details of some of the previous answers in the IELTS Writing Task 2 will help you plan and think of what writing style to use on the day of the test. To help you do this, here are some of the model answers for your reference. 

Band 6 

Topic:

Some parents prefer to enroll their kids in preschool at an early age, like four. Others delay sending their children to school until they are old enough for primary school. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of enrolling young children in preschool.

Sample Response:

"While many children begin preschool when they are three or four years old, this circumstance has benefits and drawbacks. Preschool allows youngsters to practice vital skills. It also gives children a haven while their parents are at work. However, it separates kids from their parents at an early age.

Firstly, preschool allows youngsters to gain key abilities. When they play with the other kids at school, they gain social skills. They learn to collaborate, share, and resolve conflicts as a group. They also learn skills that will help them succeed in elementary school. Colors, numbers, and letters are all taught to them. They are taught to sit and pay attention to the teacher. These skills will come in handy when they begin first grade.

On the other hand, Preschool provides a safe environment for youngsters while their parents are at work. Children are cared for by preschool teachers who are trained to understand children and their needs. They also know how to deal with a crisis. Parents can rest assured that their children are in good hands during preschool.

However, there are certain drawbacks to enrolling children in preschool. The most significant disadvantage is that it separates kids from their parents for a considerable portion of the day. Many children under the age of three or four are not yet ready to be separated from their parents for extended periods. It can make them feel uneasy and miserable. It is frequently preferable for young children to be cared for by relatives if possible. 

To summarize, while preschool can be a positive experience for some children, some are not ready for school at such a young age. Parents must base their preschool decision on their child's personality and their family's circumstances."

Band 6.5

Topic:

Computers are becoming more and more important to us. They’re employed in hospitals, crime detection, and even flying planes. What will they do with us in the future? Is this reliance on computers a good thing, or should we be wary of their advantages?

Sample Response:

"Because of our steadily expanding reliance on computers, their importance has long been a point of contention. It is helpful in business, hospitals, crime detection, flying planes, and education. This essay will go into greater detail on a computer's future and people's reliance on computers, both for good and bad reasons. Some merits, in my opinion, are questionable, and I will explain why.

On the one hand, there are numerous advantages to using computers in the future. The first and most important is that it serves an educational purpose for both adults and children. This is because computers make work easier and more comfortable, allowing students to learn more about their studies by using computers. As a result, pupils save time by using computers. For example, pupils can utilize a computer to access the internet in education.

Because the internet, such as Google, is very handy for seeking everything relevant to studies. Another reason is that the computer will be used for space research. The satellite may be able to communicate more easily in space due to this.

On the other hand, there are numerous drawbacks to relying on computers, making their benefits suspect. The most important is that relying too heavily on computers may result in a group that is more lazier than in the past. This is because the general public can see everything through a window. As a result, people can live comfortably with less disrupted work. People nowadays, for example, are more likely to use a computer at work. As a result, some people cannot operate without the use of a computer for an extended period. Another reason is that health issues are on the rise, which means that some UV lamps may harm the eyes of those who work with computers.

In conclusion, while there are several reasons why relying on computers is damaging to humankind, computer use remains an essential aspect of existence."

Band 7

Topic:

People from an agricultural background are increasingly flocking to cities in search of work. What are the ramifications, and what solutions do you propose?

Sample Response:

"With increased urbanization, more people are choosing to migrate from villages to cities in search of better job prospects. Migrating from their agricultural areas has many effects, which will be examined in depth in this essay.

To begin with, individuals are relocating to cities because they do not have a reliable source of income in their communities. Agriculture is the primary source of income for the majority of the inhabitants. Some of them also raise cattle as a means of supplementing their income. However, most crops are damaged as a result of unanticipated rains and cyclones, and as a result, they suffer losses and are despondent. They may also commit suicide as a result of financial stress. They are hoping to relocate to other places to have a permanent and consistent source of monthly income. 

However, because most people are not well-versed in technology or have limited linguistic abilities, finding work will be difficult for them, leading to more mental problems. Furthermore, this can result in attrition. Again, when farmers abandon traditional farming practices, food output declines, increasing commodity prices. Moreover, the population of urban countries will grow, resulting in a reduction in the quality of life. As a result, moving to a city will have many negative implications.

Instead of considering this technique to enhance their wages, the general population should seek other sources of income that are less affected by environmental factors. Poultry production, for example, is one of several profitable sectors. Poultry farms can be built up in the suburbs due to the availability of huge open areas, and a significant profit can be made. The government should also provide enough financing and encourage rural employees to start such businesses.

To summarize, shifting from rural to urban settings has numerous implications, and city dwellers must face multiple challenges in the process. Instead, people should consider new sources of income inside their towns, and the government should lend a hand by providing financial assistance."

Band 7.5

Topic:

Some people feel that the purpose of a university degree is to assist graduates in obtaining better jobs. Others think that university education has far-reaching benefits for both individuals and society. Discuss and give your perspective on both views. 

Sample Response:

"Some people believe that a college degree helps graduates find rewarding jobs, while others believe that studying in a higher institution is better for students and the environment. I agree that obtaining a college diploma is a significant benefit to the individual and his immediate environment.

On the one hand, college education has various effects on an individual. Not only is excellent moral behavior taught, but also tolerance and control. Furthermore, the scholar benefits from his lecturer's teachings, which can be put into effect after graduation. Moreover, a college degree assists an individual in preparing for the future. For example, Niger Delta University engineering students are escorted to several workshops during their studies. As a result, they are practically prepared for the labor market, which provides them with pleasant tasks.

The importance of a university institution in the community, on the other hand, cannot be overlooked. Furthermore, the world has a lot of benefits from the educational experiences of its citizens by growing society in various ways. Graduates of my university, for example, organized an alumnus group that assisted the institution in developing an online platform to help undergraduate students improve their skills and talents. As a result, people are kept busy to a large extent, and crime has decreased dramatically.

In conclusion, while higher education prepares individuals for decent jobs, I believe it also assists society to a considerable amount as a scholar."

Band 8

Topic:

According to research, the features we are born with have a far greater impact on our personality and development than any life events we may have. Which do you believe is the most significant influence?

Sample Response:

"What variables can impact people's personalities has always been a contentious topic. According to specific research, our personality is influenced significantly more by specific behaviors related to when we were infants. On the other hand, it is thought that our experiences can have a larger impact. In this article, I'll explore and back up my point of view using examples.

Firsy, it is assumed that the character is linked to the gene. Most behaviors, preferences, skills, or, to put it another way, genes influence everything. Because of their DNA, you can see the same behavior in a family. It suggests that most of their DNA are identical; additionally, the study claims that DNA is responsible for 70% of our identity and how we conduct ourselves in various situations. It is passed down to us from our forefathers. This is a significant factor. You can't entirely transform into a different person.

Second, we can change our personalities due to amazing life experiences. For example, if you are angry, you may see some consequences of your actions that are not in your best interests. You decided to develop your character, but your personality would remain unchanged. I used to be an introverted person who felt isolated, but now I'm attempting to broaden my social circle.

Finally, our personality is influenced by two variables. The first is that we are born with a specific personality, and the second is that our life events can alter our personalities. Both are involved in their creation, although the genetic effect appears to be more pronounced."

Band 8.5

Topic:

Traditional clothing and costumes are an efficient approach to maintaining ties to the past in many countries. In this regard, how successful can traditional costumes be? What additional options are there for assisting folks with their country’s history?

Sample Response:

"Most people state that preserving their valuable cultural history is their primary goal, and they are always looking for ways to accomplish so. National costumes are a good example of how to do this. Some contend, however, that there are more efficient techniques than wearing a dress.

To begin with, historic costumes can play an important role in social events, such as religious rituals and military parades, which are themselves important motivators to preserve national cultural heritage, implying that these activities would not appear as a particular nation's exclusive code of independence that was difficult to achieve without considering that a dressing is a vitally important part of the celebrity or an anniversary. Furthermore, it is possible to argue that traditional clothing decorations and other accessories have been absorbed into the myth of the birth and growth of the spectacular culture. By this, we meant that these attachments would represent traditional lifestyles and habits, as we see in Switzerland, where their cultural attire invokes their civil liberty, which is their most important asset.

However, some people believe that a more efficient means to conserve their cultural heritage from today's globalization-dominated world is required, citing the same problems in costume roles as a lack of complete linguistic and aesthetic reflection. Thus, the primary goal of continuously preserving human folklore and mythology is to indicate social norms and historical deeds, regardless of whether or not these oral links can be proven to be true. An ideal example may be seen in Greece and the Roman Empire, where, while their gods and legendary religion is not true, their symbol of autonomy is priceless to inhabitants. Another aspect to consider is ceremonies, which encompass all of the characteristics of the country's past, such as singing and dance, a wide range of foods, and fine arts such as opera and handicrafts.

Finally, we must acknowledge and appreciate the contribution of traditional clothes to the preservation of our culture. However, it appears that art and celebrity are the driving forces behind this organization."

Band 9

Topic:

These days, many people prefer online shopping to conventional shopping. What are the benefits and drawbacks of shopping online?

Sample Response:

People increasingly recognize the advantages of online purchasing over traditional shopping. There are benefits and cons to shopping online. The advantages and disadvantages of shopping online will be discussed in this article.

There are numerous benefits to shopping online. For starters, it is more practical. A person can save time looking for a product by purchasing it online. They can also save time by not goingto the store and making the purchase themselves. Second, online shopping may be more trustworthy than in-store purchases. Customers, for example, can post online reviews that others can use as a reference. Meanwhile, store-bought things are less comprehensive and sometimes untrustworthy.

On the other hand, people may be dissatisfied with their online-purchased goods. Products such as shoes or pants, for example, may have erroneous sizes or may not precisely match the customer's requirement. Furthermore, certain websites that allow users to sell may not be trustworthy. Products without a guarantee may have flaws or be expensive. Apart from that, people may get too dependent on technology to venture outside. They may become lazy if they become overly reliant on it. For example, instead of going food shopping, people may order it using an app and have it delivered.

Finally, online shopping provides a person with additional possibilities who value their time. However, it is not entirely trustworthy and should be used with caution."


Additional FAQs – IELTS Writing Task 2

How Can I Improve My Writing Task 2 In IELTS?

You can improve your marks in the IELTS Writing Task 2 by familiarizing yourself with the different types of questions posed in this part of the test.

By doing so, you are giving yourself a chance to plan ahead and identify the different techniques you can use. You also need to enhance your grammar and vocabulary to score high.

Another way is for you to improve your writing skills. 

How Many Types are There in the IELTS Writing Task 2?

There are five types of questions in the IELTS Writing Task 2.

The first is ‘opinion essays’, which require you to express your opinions.

The second ‘discussion essays’ needs you to discuss and justify your thoughts on a given topic.

The third is ‘problem essays’ that asks you to state possible solutions to a given predicament.

The fourth is ‘advantages and disadvantages’ essays, wherein you should weigh in the pros and cons of a given topic.

The fifth is ‘double question’ essays which require you to express your thoughts and opinions based on the two questions asked. 

The different types of questions in the IELTS Writing Task 2 require different approaches, so make sure you know how to deal with and answer whichever questions you pose when you take the test. 

How Much is the IELTS Writing Task 2 worth? 

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is given twice the weight of the IELTS Writing Task 1.

That is why you are strongly recommended to spend only 20 minutes on the first task and 40 minutes on the second task.

Prioritize your IELTS Writing Task 2 over IELTS Writing Task 1 if you are running out of time. But that is not to say you should ignore and not give importance to the first task.

Both are just part of the IELTS Writing Test and account for your overall marks. 

Can I Write More than 250 Words in the IELTS Writing Task 2?

Yes, you may write more than 250 words in the IELTS Writing Task 2. You may write 270 to 290 words.

However, make it a point that what you have written is all related to the given topic. Do not write a long essay just to write more words. This will cause your marks to be lower.

Remember that coherence and cohesion are part of the criteria with which your IELTS Writing Task 2 will be marked.