How many minutes should I spend on IELTS Writing Task 2?

About 40 minutes. Task 2 is worth two-thirds of your overall Writing band, so give it the time left after Task 1. Suggested split: 5 minutes to plan, 30 to write, 5 to check. You need at least 250 words — writing fewer is penalised.

What essay types appear in Task 2?

The main types are opinion ('to what extent do you agree'), discussion (both views plus your opinion), problem-solution, advantages-disadvantages, and two-part question. The first step is reading the question correctly and identifying the type — the wrong type means a low Task Response.

What structure works for band 7+?

Four paragraphs: introduction (paraphrase the question + your position/plan), two body paragraphs (each with one main idea + explanation + a concrete example), and a conclusion (restate the position). Each body paragraph needs one clear topic sentence. A simple, logical structure beats a complex, messy one.

What do I need for a high Lexical Resource?

Wide AND accurate vocabulary: natural collocations, topic-specific terms, less common words — but used CORRECTLY. A 'hard' word from the dictionary in the wrong context lowers the score. Do not force synonyms in; use the word where it sits naturally.

Which mistakes lower the score most?

Not fully answering the question (Task Response), mechanically stacking linkers ('Firstly, Secondly, Moreover' for nothing), the same structure in every sentence, collocation errors, and, for AZ/RU speakers, dropped articles (a/the). These keep people stuck at 6.5.

IELTS Writing Task 2: a band-9 strategy (2026)

Updated: 18 June 2026

IELTS Writing Task 2 — a 250-word argumentative essay — is worth two-thirds of your overall Writing band, so every 0.5 you earn here is valuable. The short answer: read the question correctly and identify the essay type, split the 40 minutes as 5+30+5, build a clear four-paragraph structure, and work each of the four band criteria (Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy) separately. This guide lays out a step-by-step path for AZ/RU-speaking writers.

Identify the essay type first

Most lost marks come from misreading the question. Before you write, identify the type:

Opinion ("to what extent do you agree or disagree") — take a clear position and defend it throughout.
Discussion ("discuss both views and give your opinion") — present both sides in balance, then give your view.
Problem–solution — put the problem and concrete solutions in separate paragraphs.
Advantages–disadvantages — give exactly the balance asked for (pros/cons).
Two-part question — answer both questions; do not forget one.

If the type is wrong, Task Response drops automatically — and no amount of fancy vocabulary will save it.

How to split the 40 minutes

5 minutes — plan. Find two main ideas, each with one concrete example. Without a plan the text drifts.
30 minutes — write. Four paragraphs: introduction, two body, conclusion.
5 minutes — check. Articles (a/the), verb tense, word count (≥250).

A structure that works

Introduction — paraphrase the question in your own words (do not copy) and state your position/plan in one sentence.
Body 1 and Body 2 — each starts with a clear topic sentence, then explanation, then a concrete example. A real example, not vague words, lifts the score.
Conclusion — restate the position without adding new ideas.

Raising the score on the four criteria

Task Response — answer every part of the question, a clear position, developed ideas.
Coherence & Cohesion — a logical flow and natural linking. Stacking 'Firstly, Secondly, Moreover' mechanically lowers the score; a linker should connect an idea, not act as a counter.
Lexical Resource — wide and accurate vocabulary, natural collocations. Not a 'hard' word, the right one. A synonym forced in leads to error.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy — mix simple, complex, and conditional sentences, but keep accuracy.

Common mistakes AZ/RU-speaking writers make

Dropped articles (a/the), word order, and verb-tense confusion are the most common problems. They lower Grammatical Accuracy. For the full list of these mistakes and their fixes, see the common English mistakes by AZ speakers guide. If you are aiming for an overall 7.0, the how to get band 7 in IELTS guide gives the cross-section strategy.

Frequently asked questions

How many minutes should I spend on IELTS Writing Task 2?: About 40 minutes. Task 2 is worth two-thirds of your overall Writing band, so give it the time left after Task 1. Suggested split: 5 minutes to plan, 30 to write, 5 to check. You need at least 250 words — writing fewer is penalised.
What essay types appear in Task 2?: The main types are opinion ('to what extent do you agree'), discussion (both views plus your opinion), problem-solution, advantages-disadvantages, and two-part question. The first step is reading the question correctly and identifying the type — the wrong type means a low Task Response.
What structure works for band 7+?: Four paragraphs: introduction (paraphrase the question + your position/plan), two body paragraphs (each with one main idea + explanation + a concrete example), and a conclusion (restate the position). Each body paragraph needs one clear topic sentence. A simple, logical structure beats a complex, messy one.
What do I need for a high Lexical Resource?: Wide AND accurate vocabulary: natural collocations, topic-specific terms, less common words — but used CORRECTLY. A 'hard' word from the dictionary in the wrong context lowers the score. Do not force synonyms in; use the word where it sits naturally.
Which mistakes lower the score most?: Not fully answering the question (Task Response), mechanically stacking linkers ('Firstly, Secondly, Moreover' for nothing), the same structure in every sentence, collocation errors, and, for AZ/RU speakers, dropped articles (a/the). These keep people stuck at 6.5.

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