Writing Task 2 – Session 1 – Introduction to IELTS Writing Task 2

Overview

In IELTS Writing Task 2, you must write an essay with your opinion and understanding of a topic. The essay must be written with at least 250 words in the formal style of English. You are advised to spend about 40 minutes on this task as it accounts for 2/3 of your overall writing score.

From this point onward, IELTS Writing Task 2 is referred to as an IELTS essay.

An IELTS essay task is divided into 2 parts, statement(s) and question(s).

The statement(s)

Every IELTS essay task is presented with at least one statement. The statement could be a fact or an opinion. Sometimes, there are more than one opinion.

The statements either provide one or both of these elements.

• A topic to help you navigate the list of needed vocabulary and ideas.
• One argument (or more) that you need to argue for and/or against.

The question(s)

Similarly, every IELTS essay task comes with at least one question. The question is a requirement for what you must complete in this essay. It could be topic-specific or general.

There are two types of questions that will be utilized to organize this series.

• Yes/No questions or choosing questions: These are types of questions that require you to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or choose between A or B.

Example:

Yes/No question: English is now a compulsory subject at school in many countries. Do you think learning English is important to students?

Choosing question: In many countries, an increase in crime has been blamed on violent images on television and in computer and video games. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

• Other forms, including questions starting with Wh-question words, and requests. These types of forms require you to give specific details.

Example:

Wh-question: In many countries, young people are unemployed despite being educated. What are the reasons? What should be done about it?

Request: Some people think that using animals for testing is bad. Some others think that using animals for testing is necessary. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sometimes, you get both types of questions in a task. Here is a list of general questions. You will get at least one of these questions in your actual exam.