Writing Task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words, and it counts twice as much as Task 1 in your Writing band. That is why a well-written essay lifts your whole Writing result.
The basic requirements
- At least 250 words: a shorter essay loses marks on Task Response.
- Recommended time: 40 minutes.
- Academic style: no contractions (do not, not don’t) and no personal stories.
Question types
| Type | What it asks for |
|---|---|
| Opinion (agree/disagree) | State your opinion clearly and defend it through the whole essay |
| Discussion | Cover both views and give your own |
| Problem and solution | Problems and their solutions |
| Advantages and disadvantages | Compare the advantages and disadvantages |
| Two-part question | Answer each of the two questions separately |
Essay structure
- Introduction (2-3 sentences): restate the topic in your own words and give your position.
- Body (2 paragraphs): one main idea in each, with an explanation and an example.
- Conclusion (1-2 sentences): briefly repeat your position and add no new ideas.
The four marking criteria
- Task Response - a full answer to the question and a clear position.
- Coherence and Cohesion - paragraphing and linking words.
- Lexical Resource - range of vocabulary and correct collocations.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy - complex sentences and few errors.
