IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Write a Band 8–9 Essay

Task 2 is the more heavily weighted part of the Writing test: it is worth twice as much as Task 1. You need to write an essay of at least 250 words in about 40 minutes.

Five question types

1. Opinion: To what extent do you agree or disagree? You need a clear position.
2. Discussion: Discuss both views and give your own opinion. You must cover both sides plus your own view.
3. Advantages and disadvantages: sometimes with the question Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? In that case you need to state a position.
4. Problem / cause and solution: both parts are compulsory.
5. Two-part question: two direct questions, each requires a direct answer.

The most common reason for a low band score is answering the general topic rather than the specific question. Underline every part of the task before you start generating ideas.

5-Minute Plan

1. Identify the question type and underline all parts of it.
2. Choose the position that is easiest to support with arguments.
3. For each main body paragraph, note one central idea, an explanation and an example.
4. Check that your plan answers every part of the question.

Structure

• Introduction (2–3 sentences): paraphrase the topic and state your position or outline your answer.
• Main body paragraph 1 (5–7 sentences): one central idea, fully developed.
• Main body paragraph 2 (5–7 sentences): a second idea or the other side of the argument.
• Conclusion (1–2 sentences): restate your position, without introducing new ideas.

How to Develop a Paragraph

A strong paragraph is organised like this: topic sentence → explanation of why it is true → consequence or clarification → specific example → link back to the question.

Example (question about whether public transport should be made free):

The strongest argument for free public transport is environmental. When buses and trains cost nothing to use, commuters who currently drive short distances have far less reason to do so, and even a modest shift away from cars can noticeably reduce congestion and air pollution in city centres. A number of cities that have abolished fares on local routes report fuller buses at peak times, which suggests that price, rather than habit alone, keeps many people in their cars. For this reason, the policy can be justified as an investment in public health rather than simply a cost to the budget.

One idea, but fully developed: mechanism, consequence, example, link to the question. This is more valuable than three listed ideas with no explanation.

What to Avoid

• Memorised phrases: In this day and age, It is an undeniable fact that, Every coin has two sides. They do not add marks.
• Overuse of linking words: Moreover, Furthermore, In addition at the start of every sentence lowers your score for Coherence and Cohesion.
• Pretentious vocabulary for the sake of a higher score. A precise simple word is better than an imprecise rare one.
• Invented statistics: According to research, 87% of people... Examples should be plausible and specific, but not fabricated figures.
• Changing your position between the introduction and the conclusion.
• Writing fewer than 250 words.

Timing

5 minutes for planning, 30 minutes for writing, 3–5 minutes for checking. Start Writing with Task 2: if you run out of time, it is better to leave Task 1 unfinished.

What Next

For how your essay is assessed against the four criteria, read IELTS Writing Band Descriptors. For a full analysis of a model Band 8–9 essay with examiner comments, a Task 1 sample answer and the feedback cycle, see the Writing guide.