Below is a clear, practical, exam-oriented guide to techniques for writing a strong IELTS Writing Task 2 essay. This works for both Academic and General Training.
✅ 1. Understand the Four Scoring Criteria
IELTS examiners score your essay based on:
a. Task Response (25%)
- Answer all parts of the question.
- Present a clear position throughout.
- Support ideas with explanations and examples.
b. Coherence & Cohesion (25%)
- Logical organization.
- Clear paragraphing.
- Use linking words naturally (however, furthermore, in contrast…).
c. Lexical Resource (25%)
- Range of vocabulary.
- Accurate word choice.
- Avoid repetition.
- Show collocations (play an important role, face challenges, etc.).
d. Grammatical Range & Accuracy (25%)
- Use complex sentences (because, although, while).
- Mix of simple and complex structures.
- Few errors.
✅ 2. Identify the Question Type
Each type requires a different approach:
- Opinion / Agree–Disagree
- Discussion (Discuss both views)
- Problem–Solution
- Advantages–Disadvantages
- Two-part / Direct questions
👉 First step: rewrite the question in your own words mentally.
✅ 3. Use a Simple but High-Score Structure
Recommended 4-Paragraph Structure
Paragraph 1 – Introduction
- Paraphrase the question.
- State your thesis (your position).
- Optional: outline what you will discuss.
Paragraph 2 – Body 1
- Topic sentence → your main idea.
- Explanation.
- Example.
- Connect back to the question.
Paragraph 3 – Body 2
- Same structure as Body 1 with a second idea.
Paragraph 4 – Conclusion
- Summarize your ideas.
- Restate your position.
- No new ideas.
✅ 4. Master the “Topic Sentence” Technique
Every body paragraph begins with a topic sentence (the main idea):
One major reason why governments should invest more in public transport is that it reduces traffic congestion.
This helps coherence and keeps the paragraph focused.
✅ 5. Use the P.E.E.L Method for Each Paragraph
A powerful technique:
P – Point (topic sentence)
E – Explanation
E – Example
L – Link to question
This guarantees depth and avoids short paragraphs.
✅ 6. Paraphrasing Techniques for Introduction
- Use synonyms: important → significant
- Change sentence structure.
- Change word forms: pollution → polluted
- Use generalization.
Example:
Question: Young people prefer to communicate online rather than face-to-face.
Paraphrase: Many teenagers today choose digital communication over direct personal interaction.
✅ 7. Vocabulary Techniques
Use:
a. Collocations
- take measures to…
- play a vital role…
- impose strict regulations…
b. Topic-specific vocabulary
Education, technology, environment, health, crime, culture.
c. Avoid overused words
- very → highly / significantly
- big → substantial / considerable
✅ 8. Grammar Techniques
Use three types of complex sentences:
- Cause: because, since, as
- Contrast: although, whereas, while
- Condition: if, unless
Also include:
- Relative clauses: which, who, that
- Passive voice: is believed to… (but don’t overuse)
✅ 9. Linking Words Used Naturally
For adding: moreover, additionally
For contrast: however, nevertheless
For examples: for instance, such as
For results: therefore, as a result
For emphasis: indeed, clearly
In conclusion: to sum up, in conclusion
Don’t overuse linking words—IELTS penalizes “mechanical” cohesion.
✅ 10. Time Management Technique
40 minutes total
- Planning: 7 minutes
- Writing: 30 minutes
- Checking: 3 minutes
Plan before writing:
- two ideas
- examples
- clear position
✅ 11. Frequent Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Writing too many ideas
❌ Long, unclear sentences
❌ Repeating the same vocabulary
❌ Giving personal stories
❌ No position or inconsistent position
❌ Adding new ideas in conclusion
✅ 12. A High-Band Sample Framework
(This is a template, not to memorize word-for-word.)
Introduction
- Paraphrase
- State your position
Body 1
- Main idea
- Explain
- Example
Body 2
- Another idea
- Explain
- Example
Conclusion
- Summarize
- Restate your position
If you want, I can also:
✅ Give you a sample essay
✅ Teach you how to write a Band 7, 8, or 9 introduction
✅ Provide templates for each question type
✅ Check or improve your essay
Just tell me what you need!
A SAMPLE ESSAY
Here is a Band 9 sample IELTS Writing Task 2 essay with clear structure, advanced vocabulary, and natural coherence.
📝 IELTS Essay Question
Some people believe that children should start school at a very early age, while others think they should begin at least seven years old. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
⭐ Band 9 Sample Essay (≈ 280 words)
In many countries, the question of when children should begin formal education remains a matter of considerable debate. While some argue that starting school at a very young age helps children develop faster, others believe that education should not begin until around the age of seven. This essay will examine both perspectives before explaining why I support the latter view.
Those who advocate early schooling often claim that children gain a competitive advantage when they are introduced to academic learning as soon as possible. They argue that young learners can absorb information quickly, which allows them to develop reading, writing, and numeracy skills earlier than their peers. Proponents also believe that attending school at an early age helps children build social skills, such as cooperation and communication, because they spend more time interacting with classmates in structured environments.
On the other hand, many people contend that beginning formal education at seven is more beneficial for a child’s overall development. According to this view, early childhood should be devoted primarily to play, creativity, and emotional growth rather than academic pressure. Research from several European countries, where children typically start school later, suggests that students who begin formal learning at an older age tend to perform equally well—if not better—over the long term. This approach also minimizes stress and allows children to develop naturally at their own pace.
In my opinion, delaying school until the age of seven is the more sensible approach. Early childhood should be a time of exploration, imagination, and parental bonding rather than exposure to academic competition. When children start learning later, they often show greater curiosity, stronger motivation, and healthier emotional development.
In conclusion, although early schooling may offer some short-term benefits, I believe that beginning education at seven leads to better long-term outcomes for most children.
If you want, I can also write:
✅ another sample essay with a different topic
✅ a Band 7 or Band 8 version for comparison
✅ an essay using your preferred structure or vocabulary
What would you like next?
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