How to write IELTS Writing Task 2 for 9 bands?

Table of Content

• IELTS writing task 2 Band descriptors

• IELTS writing task 2 - tips and strategies to score band 9

• Step 1: Always write relevant answers to the questions

• Step 2: Address all the parts of the question

• Step 3: Essay must be organised logically using the linking phrases with clear progression

• Step 4: Organise your content as per your essay structure

• Step 5: Write a clear and concise introduction

• Step 6: writing and organising your supporting paragraphs

• Step 7: Use new vocabulary with correct spellings

• Step 8: Never use commonly used phrases, examples and memorised languages

• Step 9: try using complex sentence structures

• Step 10: Check your content for the presence of marking criterias

• Summary

• FAQ

In this article we will look at the various IELTS writing task 2 Tips and strategies required to achieve a band 9 in IELTS Writing Task 2. You will be writing a 250 word essay where you will be giving your opinion over a statement or argument, explaining the discussions with examples and giving a solution as per your views. The tips will be helpful in improving your scores.

There are 5 main types of IELTS task 2 essays - Opinion Essays, Discussion Essays, Problem Solution Essays, Advantages & Disadvantages Essays, Double Question Essays. The IELTS writing task 2 questions will be similar for IELTS academic and IELTS general. The IELTS writing task 2 Tips provided in this blog are proven to show good results to the IELTS test takers.

IELTS writing task 2 Band descriptors

The table below shows the criteria based on which your essays will be assessed. The overall score will be given based on the average marks scored in the following marking criterias. 

• Task response
• Coherence and cohesion
• Lexical resources
• Grammar range and accuracy

For detailed information regarding the marking criterias you can check our IELTS writing band descriptors.

Improve your overall band score by using these expert-proven IELTS writing tips. 

IELTS writing task 2 - tips and strategies to score band 9

Now let's dive into the tips that's going to help you while attempting the IELTS writing task 2. 
Start practising for the IELTS writing task 2 using these and improve your band score.

Step 1: Always write relevant answers to the questions

Use relevant words to write the essay. You only have to answer based on the questions asked. Read the instructions carefully before you start the essay. If asked for your opinion, you have to support your opinion with relevant examples. 

Do’s 

• Make sure you write ideas that are relevant to the discussion
• Use examples that you know that's related to the topic.
• You can include more ideas to support your opinion

Don’ts

• Including irrelevant information
• Diverting form the main topic
• Copying an essay that you have already read
• Use figures and data in your essay

Step 2: Address all the parts of the question

Look at the question carefully and see how many parts it has. You should give answers to all parts of the question. The number of parts in the question will depend on the question type. For example, an agree/disagree question has only 1 part, whereas advantages and disadvantages essay has 2 parts, and a discuss both views question, two-part essay, and solution essay has 3 parts. 

Do’s 

• Find out how many parts the question has
• Give your opinion supporting examples
• Both the views must be presented equally in the essay 
• If the question asks for “advantages” you must give at least two examples
• The minimum word count for the essay is 250 words.

Don’ts

• Forget to answer all the parts
• Write a short essay
• Repeat points

Step 3: Essay must be organised logically using the linking phrases with clear progression

You should write in an orderly manner by applying logic. Give an introduction and conclusion to the essay and give answers to each part of the question one by one. If your opinion is asked in the question, mention your opinion in the introduction. In the body of the essay you can discuss your views on the statements given. After that you can conclude the essay with your own opinion again. This will give more meaning to the essay.

Do’s

• Write using linking words and phrases
• Use adverbial phrases
• Make use of punctuation marks
• Write ideas in a sequence
• The essay must be readable and logical to readers
• Introduction, body and conclusion should be
• written in separate paragraphs
• Each view can be expressed in different paragraphs

Don’ts

• Overuse linking words
• Repeat same phrases
• Use numbers or other symbols
• Use headings and subheadings
• Underline words in essay
• Write one-line paragraphs
• Start each line with a linking phrase

Step 4: Organise your content as per your essay structure

Arrange your ideas into paragraphs and follow the IELTS writing task 2 essay structure. Each paragraph should have a clear purpose and must consist of at least two lines. Paragraphs help you to easily organise and deliver your ideas logically. The number of paragraphs will depend on the question type and how many parts the question has. 

Start your essay introducing the topic. Use examples in the essay to support your point. Tell them why this example supports your point. Use linking phrases while moving to the next paragraph. 

Do’s 

• Write separate paragraphs for each part
• Include linkers in sentences
• Leave one line space between paragraphs
• Start with an introduction paragraph and end with a conclusion paragraph

Don’ts 

• Write one line paragraphs
• Write very long paragraphs

Step 5: Write a clear and concise introduction

Your introduction should consist of the question in a paraphrased manner. Tell the reader briefly what you are going to discuss in the essay. Keep the introduction short and crisp.

Do’s 

• Give a clear summary to what you are going to present in the essay.
• Keep the introduction short
• Paraphrase the question

Don’ts

• Write a long introduction
• Copy the same words from the question

Step 6: Writing and organising your supporting paragraphs

Start each paragraph with a topic sentence. This helps readers understand what the paragraph contains. The points in the paragraph should support your opinions. Use examples to enhance your opinions. 

Do’s 

• Use examples to support your answer
• Begin paragraphs with a topic sentence

Don’ts 

• Write paragraphs without supporting points
• Write all opinions in a single paragraph

Step 7: Use new vocabulary with correct spellings

To get a higher band score you must use a good IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary with a mix of common and uncommon terms. Avoid outdated usages that are not used in our daily lives. You should know exactly the meaning of the words that you use. Use the lexical resources appropriately. Idioms can be used in the essay if they suit the topic and you know how to use them well. When you write there can be errors in the spellings. Be careful for spelling mistakes as you write.

Do’s 

• Make appropriate use of words
• Use words we use in everyday life
• Use phrases that can be easily understood
• Use phrases that relates to the topic given
• Use collocation

Don’ts

• Avoid spelling mistakes
• Use different slangs in one essay
• Using a phrase without understanding it properly
• Use inappropriate words
• Use informal slangs
• Use obsolete words
• Overuse synonyms
• Use idioms
• Use contractions

Step 8: Never use commonly used phrases, examples and memorised languages

Evaluators can understand if you have used memorised words from other essays in your essay. Never overuse phrases or idioms. Go through the lexical resources to find the words that you can use to get a better score in this section.

Do’s

• Use new words in the essay by improving your vocabulary
• Use your own words instead of memorized ones

Don’ts

• Use commonly used phrases and examples 
• Use memorised languages

Step 9: Try using complex sentence structures

For a higher band score, you should be better at making complex sentence structures. Try out different sentence structures without making mistakes and maintaining the correct meaning for sentences. Use both simple and complex sentence structures. Make sure your complex sentences don't become too complex and long. While using complex sentences use the punctuations clearly. 

Do’s

• Include complex sentence formations in the essay
• Use punctuations wherever necessary
• Use a mix of simple and complex sentences

Don’ts

• Write sentences that are too long or complex
• Write without using punctuations
• Use the same sentence structure repeatedly 

Step 10: Check your content for the presence of marking criterias

For getting a band 9 score, look out the marking criterias. Familiarise yourself with these criterias so you can focus on scoring better.

The above mentioned tips will be helpful in increasing the IELTS band score. Answer your essays carefully within the given time limit.

Check out all the IELTS Writing task 2 essay types - 

1. IELTS writing task 2 Agree or Disagree essay
2. IELTS writing task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages essay
3. IELTS writing task 2 Double question essay
4. IELTS writing task 2 problem and solution essay
5. IELTS writing task 2 Discuss both views essay

Practice these questions based on the IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics.

Also check out the IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample page to find more essay questions and sample answers.

Summary

If the IELTS writing task 2 tips have helped you, then you can start solving the questions for each type. The links given above will take you to the sample questions for each question type. 

Quick read:

• Have a better understanding of the format of the questions
• Know the key points of what you are about to write
• Give relevant answers only
• Arrange your answers logically

FAQ

1. How to improve IELTS writing task 2?

Answer all parts of the question, deliver your points clearly, structure your essay properly, write the essay using good vocabulary, write without grammatical mistakes, check your essay after writing. This way you can improve your IELTS writing task 2 essay.

2. Is IELTS writing task 2 easy?

Writing the essay is easy if you understand the tips and strategies to write it. After practicing a few writing essays you can easily attempt the IELTS writing task 2 essay.

3. What is the IELTS Writing Task 2 word limit?

The essay should be written using a minimum of 250 words. It is suggested that your essay doesn't exceed 300 words.

4. Can I spend more than 40 minutes on the IELTS writing task 2 essay?

If you take more than 40 minutes to write the task 2 essay, you will only get less time for the task 1 essay.

5. Should I give my opinion in The IELTS writing task 2 essay?

Only give your opinion if it is mentioned in the question. If it's not asked, don't give your opinion in the essay. Read the instructions carefully and learn when to give your opinion.

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