You have 40 minutes. A blank page. And a question that asks you to write 250+ words about whether governments should fund space exploration or focus on Earth's problems.
Where do you even start?
Most IELTS candidates approach Writing Task 2 the same way: Read the question, start writing immediately, ramble for 20 minutes, realize they're at 180 words with no clear conclusion, panic and add random sentences to reach 250 words, submit a disorganized essay, and score Band 5.5–6.0.
Here's the truth: Writing Task 2 isn't about perfect English. It's about structure. An essay with clear organization and basic vocabulary scores higher than an essay with advanced words but no logical flow.
This guide shows you the exact structure examiners look for, how to plan in 5 minutes, and the common mistakes that kill your score. You'll also get complete Band 9 sample essays for every question type.
If you're new to IELTS, start with our complete beginner's guide to IELTS preparation. If you need a structured study schedule that includes Writing practice, build your personalized study plan here.
Understanding IELTS Writing Task 2
The test format is straightforward: You have 40 minutes recommended time to write a minimum of 250 words. There's no maximum, but 270–290 is ideal. Task 2 is worth 66% of your Writing score while Task 1 is only 33%. There are 5 main question types which we'll explain below.
You're scored on four criteria, each worth 25%: Task Response means you answer the question fully by addressing all parts, giving a clear position, and developing ideas with examples. Coherence and Cohesion measures whether your essay is well-organized through clear paragraphs, linking words, and logical progression. Lexical Resource evaluates your vocabulary range and accuracy through topic-specific words, avoiding repetition, and minimal spelling errors. Grammatical Range and Accuracy looks at grammar variety and correctness by mixing simple and complex sentences with minimal errors.
The key insight here is that Task Response and Coherence and Cohesion account for 50% of your score. This means structure and organization are more important than fancy vocabulary.
The 5 Question Types (And How to Identify Them)
Every Task 2 question falls into one of five types. Knowing which type you're facing tells you exactly how to structure your essay.
Type 1 is the Opinion or Agree/Disagree question. The question pattern uses phrases like "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" or "Do you agree or disagree?" For example: "Some people believe that university students should pay the full cost of their education. To what extent do you agree or disagree?" Your answer should state your opinion clearly in the introduction, give 2–3 reasons in body paragraphs, and restate your opinion in the conclusion.
Type 2 is the Discussion question where you discuss both views. The pattern asks you to "Discuss both views and give your opinion" or "Discuss both sides and give your own opinion." An example would be: "Some people think that cities should ban cars from the city center. Others believe this would be impractical. Discuss both views and give your opinion." Structure this with Body Paragraph 1 presenting View A with explanations, Body Paragraph 2 presenting View B with explanations, then state which view you support either in Body 2 or the Conclusion.
Type 3 covers Advantages and Disadvantages. Questions ask "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" or "Discuss the advantages and disadvantages." For instance: "More and more people are working from home. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?" Your Body Paragraph 1 should discuss advantages with examples, Body Paragraph 2 covers disadvantages with examples, and your conclusion states which side is stronger if the question asks about "outweigh."
Type 4 is Problem and Solution format. The pattern asks "What are the problems and what solutions can you suggest?" or "What are the causes and what measures can be taken?" An example: "Many cities are facing serious traffic congestion. What are the main causes of this problem and what solutions can be implemented?" Structure this with Body Paragraph 1 presenting 2–3 problems or causes, and Body Paragraph 2 offering 2–3 solutions matching those problems.
Type 5 is the Two-Part Question which contains two separate questions in one prompt. For example: "Children today spend more time on electronic devices than in the past. Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development?" Answer with Body Paragraph 1 addressing Question 1 (the why) and Body Paragraph 2 addressing Question 2 (positive or negative evaluation).
The Perfect Essay Structure (Works for All Types)
Here's the structure that consistently scores Band 7 and above: Your essay should have an Introduction of 2–3 sentences totaling about 40 words, followed by Body Paragraph 1 with 5–7 sentences totaling about 100 words that includes a topic sentence, explanation, example, and optional mini-conclusion. Body Paragraph 2 follows the same structure with 5–7 sentences and 100 words. Finally, a Conclusion of 2–3 sentences totaling about 40 words. This gives you 4 paragraphs with 270–290 total words.
The 5-Minute Planning System (Do This Before Writing Anything)
Most candidates skip planning and start writing immediately. This is why their essays are disorganized. Here's the planning routine that works:
In Minute 1, read the question twice, underline key words, and identify the question type. In Minute 2, decide your position or answer and determine your main argument. Minute 3 is for brainstorming 2 main ideas for Body Paragraph 1. Minute 4 is for brainstorming 2 main ideas for Body Paragraph 2. In Minute 5, write a 1-sentence outline of each paragraph on your question paper.
After 5 minutes, you should have written something like this on your paper: "Intro: Paraphrase question plus state position. Body 1: Idea A (education benefits) plus Idea B (career opportunities). Body 2: Idea C (financial burden) plus Idea D (inequality). Conclusion: Restate position." Now write for 35 minutes. You know exactly what to say in each paragraph.
Introduction Formula (3-Sentence Template)
Your introduction should do three things in 2–3 sentences: paraphrase the question to show you understand it, state your position or answer, and optionally outline what you'll discuss.
For Opinion Essays, use this template: Sentence 1 states that the topic is a subject of ongoing debate. Sentence 2 says "While some argue that [one view], I believe that [your position]." Sentence 3 is optional and states "This essay will explore [what you'll discuss]."
Here's an example. The question is: "Some people believe that the government should ban smoking in all public places. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
The Introduction would be: "The question of whether smoking should be prohibited in public areas has generated considerable discussion. While some argue that such bans infringe on personal freedom, I strongly believe that the health benefits to society justify these restrictions. This essay will examine why protecting public health should take precedence over individual liberty in this context."
In this example, Sentence 1 paraphrases "ban smoking in public places" as "prohibited in public areas." Sentence 2 provides a clear position with "I strongly believe..." Sentence 3 previews the argument.
Body Paragraph Formula (The PEEL Method)
Each body paragraph should follow the PEEL structure: Point (Topic sentence with your main idea), Explanation (Develop the idea), Example (Real or hypothetical example), and Link (Connect back to the question).
Here's an example body paragraph for the topic "Should governments invest in space exploration?"
"One compelling reason to fund space programs is the technological innovations they generate. Research conducted for space missions often leads to discoveries that have practical applications in everyday life, from medical imaging devices to water purification systems. For instance, NASA's development of satellite technology has revolutionized global communications, GPS navigation, and weather forecasting, all of which benefit billions of people daily. Therefore, the indirect benefits of space investment extend far beyond scientific achievement and contribute to societal progress."
This paragraph has 91 words. The Point is clear: space programs generate innovation. The Explanation describes how this works. The Example is specific and relevant, mentioning NASA, GPS, and weather. The Link connects back to the broader question.
Conclusion Formula (2-Sentence Template)
Your conclusion should restate your position using different words and summarize your main points or provide a final thought. Do NOT introduce new ideas in the conclusion.
The template is: Sentence 1 says "In conclusion, I firmly believe that [restate position]." Sentence 2 states "While [acknowledge opposing view], [reaffirm your position with reason]."
For example, if your Introduction stated "I strongly believe that the health benefits to society justify smoking bans in public places," your Conclusion would be: "In conclusion, I firmly believe that prohibiting smoking in public areas is a necessary measure to protect public health. While individual freedom is important, the right of non-smokers to breathe clean air and avoid the harmful effects of secondhand smoke should take priority."
Band 9 Sample Essay: Opinion Type
Question: "Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
Band 9 Sample Answer:
The role of universities in modern society is a subject of ongoing debate, with some advocating for a practical, career-oriented approach while others emphasize the pursuit of knowledge for intellectual enrichment. While I acknowledge that employability is important, I believe that universities should primarily focus on fostering critical thinking and academic inquiry rather than simply training students for specific jobs.
On one hand, there is a strong argument that higher education should equip graduates with practical skills that make them competitive in the job market. In an increasingly globalized economy, employers value candidates who possess not only theoretical knowledge but also technical competencies and professional experience. For instance, engineering programs that incorporate industry placements and hands-on projects tend to produce graduates who transition more smoothly into the workforce. This pragmatic approach ensures that students' time and financial investment in education yields tangible career benefits.
However, I would argue that the true value of university education lies in developing independent thought and intellectual curiosity rather than narrow vocational training. Universities are unique environments where students can explore diverse disciplines, challenge conventional wisdom, and engage with complex ideas without the immediate pressure of commercial application. History shows that many groundbreaking innovations from the theory of relativity to the discovery of DNA's structure emerged from pure research conducted without specific workplace applications in mind. Moreover, the skills gained through rigorous academic study, such as critical analysis, effective communication, and creative problem-solving, are transferable across any profession and remain relevant even as specific job requirements evolve.
In conclusion, while I recognize that universities should not be entirely disconnected from the realities of the employment market, I firmly believe their primary mission should be the advancement of knowledge and the cultivation of well-rounded, intellectually curious individuals. This approach not only serves society's long-term interests but also produces graduates who are adaptable and capable of thriving in an unpredictable future.
Word count: 321 words
This scores Band 9 because: Task Response fully addresses the question with a clear position and well-developed arguments. Coherence and Cohesion shows perfect paragraph structure with smooth transitions using "On one hand," "However," and "In conclusion." Lexical Resource demonstrates advanced vocabulary like "fostering critical thinking," "intellectual inquiry," "tangible career benefits," and "cultivate well-rounded individuals." Grammatical Range displays complex sentences with no errors.
Band 9 Sample Essay: Discussion Type
Question: "Some people believe that children should be allowed to use mobile phones at school, while others think they should be banned. Discuss both views and give your own opinion."
Band 9 Sample Answer:
The question of whether mobile phones should be permitted in schools has generated considerable debate among educators and parents. While proponents argue that these devices can enhance learning, opponents contend that they are disruptive and detrimental to student focus. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
Those who support allowing mobile phones in schools argue that when used appropriately, these devices can serve as valuable educational tools. Modern smartphones provide instant access to a wealth of information, educational apps, and collaborative platforms that can complement traditional teaching methods. For example, students can use their phones to quickly fact-check information, access digital textbooks, or participate in interactive learning exercises. Furthermore, in an increasingly digital world, learning to use technology responsibly from a young age is itself an important educational outcome. Advocates also point out that mobile phones can enhance safety, allowing students to contact parents in emergencies.
Conversely, opponents argue that the disadvantages of mobile phone use in schools far outweigh any potential benefits. Research has consistently shown that the presence of mobile phones in classrooms correlates with decreased attention spans and lower academic performance, as students are frequently tempted to check social media, play games, or text friends during lessons. Even when phones are meant to be used for educational purposes, the constant notifications and the mere proximity of the device can be cognitively distracting. Moreover, unrestricted phone use can facilitate cyberbullying and exacerbate social inequalities, as students from wealthier families may have access to more expensive devices, potentially creating a divide.
In my view, while mobile phones do have legitimate educational applications, the evidence suggests that their overall impact in school settings is predominantly negative. I believe the most practical solution is a controlled approach: phones could be collected at the start of the school day and returned at the end, with specific lessons incorporating supervised smartphone use where genuinely beneficial. This balanced policy would minimize distractions while still allowing schools to harness technology when appropriate.
In conclusion, although mobile phones offer certain advantages such as access to information and enhanced safety, I am convinced that unrestricted use in schools does more harm than good. A carefully managed policy that limits phone access while permitting supervised educational use represents the most sensible compromise.
Word count: 385 words
This scores Band 9 because: Task Response discusses both views thoroughly with a clear personal opinion. Coherence and Cohesion demonstrates logical organization with clear topic sentences using "Those who support," "Conversely," and "In my view." Lexical Resource uses precise vocabulary like "detrimental to student focus," "cognitively distracting," and "exacerbate social inequalities." Grammatical Range shows variety of structures with accuracy throughout.
Band 9 Sample Essay: Advantages/Disadvantages Type
Question: "Many people now work from home instead of commuting to an office every day. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?"
Band 9 Sample Answer:
The shift toward remote work has accelerated dramatically in recent years, fundamentally changing how millions of people approach their professional lives. While this trend offers notable benefits such as flexibility and time savings, it also presents challenges related to work-life boundaries and professional collaboration. On balance, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for most workers.
The most significant advantage of working from home is the elimination of daily commuting, which frees up considerable time and reduces stress. The average worker in major cities spends one to two hours traveling to and from the office each day, time that can now be redirected toward productive work, exercise, or family commitments. Additionally, remote work provides greater flexibility in managing personal responsibilities, such as attending medical appointments or caring for children, without sacrificing professional productivity. From an environmental perspective, reduced commuting translates into lower carbon emissions and decreased traffic congestion. Furthermore, many employees report higher job satisfaction when they have the autonomy to design their own work environment and schedule.
However, working from home is not without drawbacks. One major concern is the blurring of boundaries between professional and personal life. When one's home becomes one's office, it can be difficult to mentally switch off at the end of the workday, potentially leading to burnout. Social isolation is another significant issue; the lack of casual interactions with colleagues can diminish creativity, reduce opportunities for mentorship, and negatively impact mental well-being. Moreover, remote work can hinder effective collaboration on complex projects that benefit from spontaneous, in-person discussions and immediate feedback.
Despite these challenges, I would argue that the benefits are more substantial. The time and cost savings alone represent a meaningful improvement in quality of life for most people. While the social and collaborative disadvantages are real, they can be mitigated through intentional strategies such as scheduled video meetings, occasional in-person gatherings, and dedicated co-working spaces. The flexibility and autonomy that remote work provides are particularly valuable in enabling a healthier work-life balance, which has long-term benefits for both individual well-being and organizational productivity.
In conclusion, while working from home does present certain challenges, particularly regarding social connection and work-life boundaries, I believe these are outweighed by the significant advantages of time savings, flexibility, and environmental benefits. As remote work practices continue to evolve, organizations and individuals will likely find more effective ways to address the disadvantages while maximizing the gains.
Word count: 395 words
This scores Band 9 because: Task Response addresses both advantages and disadvantages with a clear position on "outweigh." Coherence and Cohesion is well-organized with smooth transitions between ideas. Lexical Resource includes topic-specific vocabulary like "eliminate commuting," "blurring of boundaries," "social isolation," and "mitigated through strategies." Grammatical Range demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentences that are grammatically accurate.
Band 9 Sample Essay: Problem/Solution Type
Question: "In many countries, people are now living longer than ever before. What are some of the problems associated with an aging population, and what measures can be taken to address these issues?"
Band 9 Sample Answer:
The steady increase in life expectancy observed in developed nations represents one of humanity's greatest achievements, yet it also presents significant societal challenges. An aging population strains healthcare systems and pension schemes while potentially slowing economic growth. However, these problems can be mitigated through proactive policy reforms and shifts in societal attitudes toward aging.
One of the most pressing issues is the financial burden on healthcare systems and social security programs. As people live longer, they require more medical care for age-related conditions such as dementia, cardiovascular disease, and mobility impairments. Simultaneously, pension systems designed when life expectancy was lower now face unsustainable payout obligations, as retirees collect benefits for decades rather than years. For example, Japan's social security system is projected to face severe funding shortfalls by 2030 as its elderly population continues to grow while the working-age population shrinks. This demographic imbalance also threatens economic productivity, as a smaller workforce must support an increasing number of dependents.
To address these challenges, governments should implement several complementary measures. First, gradually raising the retirement age to reflect increased life expectancy would help balance pension systems while keeping experienced workers productive for longer. This approach has already shown success in countries like Germany and Australia. Second, investing in preventive healthcare and promoting healthy lifestyles can reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases, thereby decreasing long-term medical costs. Encouraging regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and routine health screenings can help seniors maintain independence longer. Third, immigration policies could be adjusted to attract younger workers who can contribute to the tax base and fill labor shortages. Finally, society must shift away from viewing retirement as a complete cessation of productive activity; instead, flexible work arrangements and part-time opportunities for seniors can help them remain economically and socially engaged.
In conclusion, while an aging population does strain public finances and potentially slow economic growth, these problems are not insurmountable. Through a combination of policy reforms such as raising retirement ages, focusing on preventive health, and creating opportunities for older adults to remain active contributors to society, nations can successfully adapt to this demographic shift.
Word count: 355 words
This scores Band 9 because: Task Response clearly identifies problems and proposes realistic solutions. Coherence and Cohesion shows logical structure moving from problems to solutions with clear paragraphing. Lexical Resource uses advanced academic vocabulary like "unsustainable payout obligations," "demographic imbalance," and "complementary measures." Grammatical Range demonstrates complex sentence structures used accurately.
Band 9 Sample Essay: Two-Part Question Type
Question: "In recent years, there has been a significant increase in online shopping. Why is this happening, and is this a positive or negative development?"
Band 9 Sample Answer:
The rapid growth of e-commerce represents one of the most transformative consumer trends of the 21st century, fundamentally reshaping how people purchase goods and services. This shift is driven by technological advancement and changing consumer preferences, and while it offers undeniable convenience, it also raises concerns about environmental impact and the future of traditional retail. Overall, I believe this is a largely positive development, though not without drawbacks.
Several factors explain the surge in online shopping. The most obvious is convenience: consumers can browse thousands of products from home at any time, compare prices instantly, and have purchases delivered directly to their door. This eliminates the need for time-consuming trips to physical stores, which is particularly valuable for busy professionals or those living in areas with limited retail options. Additionally, e-commerce platforms often offer wider product selections and more competitive prices than brick-and-mortar stores due to lower overhead costs. Improved payment security and faster delivery services have also made online shopping more appealing. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, as lockdowns forced consumers to adopt digital purchasing habits that many have retained.
Whether this development is positive or negative is a matter of perspective. On the positive side, online shopping empowers consumers with greater choice, better prices, and time savings. It also enables small businesses and artisans to reach global markets without the prohibitive costs of physical storefronts. For people with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas, e-commerce provides access to goods that would otherwise be difficult to obtain. However, there are legitimate concerns. The decline of traditional retail has led to job losses and the deterioration of town centers, which once served as important community gathering spaces. Furthermore, the environmental cost of increased packaging waste and delivery vehicle emissions cannot be ignored. There are also worries about data privacy and the market dominance of a few large technology companies.
Despite these drawbacks, I would argue that the rise of online shopping is predominantly beneficial. While the negative effects are real, they can be mitigated through regulation, sustainable packaging initiatives, and support for workers transitioning out of traditional retail. The efficiency gains and increased consumer empowerment represent genuine progress.
In conclusion, online shopping has grown due to its convenience, competitive pricing, and technological improvements, and I believe this represents a largely positive evolution in consumer behavior, provided that efforts are made to address its environmental and social consequences.
Word count: 395 words
This scores Band 9 because: Task Response answers both questions thoroughly (why plus positive/negative). Coherence and Cohesion demonstrates clear two-part structure with well-linked paragraphs. Lexical Resource includes precise vocabulary like "transformative consumer trends," "prohibitive costs," and "deterioration of town centers." Grammatical Range shows accurate complex grammar throughout.
Common Writing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Not planning before starting to write kills your score because it produces a disorganized essay with no clear argument. Fix this by spending 5 minutes planning every single time. Not answering the question fully results in a low Task Response score. Fix this by identifying the question type first and making sure you address every part of the question. Using memorized essays is detectable by examiners and sounds unnatural. Instead, memorize structures and ideas, not full essays. Going off-topic means your essay doesn't address the question. Fix this by ensuring every paragraph connects back to the question. Writing too short, anything less than 250 words, carries an automatic penalty. Aim for 270 to 290 words instead. Having no clear position results in low Task Response. State your opinion clearly in both the introduction and conclusion. Writing only one body paragraph gives you a low Coherence and Cohesion score. Always write 2 body paragraphs. Making your introduction identical to your conclusion using the same words shows weak paraphrasing skill. Use synonyms and different sentence structures instead.
Linking Words and Phrases (Use These for Cohesion)
To introduce your first point, use Firstly, First and foremost, To begin with, One key reason is, or The primary argument in favor of. To add another point, use Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Another significant factor is, or Equally important is. To give an example, use For instance, For example, A clear illustration of this is, or This can be seen in. To show contrast, use However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, Conversely, In contrast, or While this may be true. To conclude, use In conclusion, To sum up, In summary, Overall it is clear that, or Taking everything into account.
Warning: Don't overuse linking words. One per sentence is enough. Too many make your essay sound mechanical.
How to Practice Writing Task 2
For daily practice spending 30 minutes per day, allocate 5 minutes to study one question type structure to learn the template, 10 minutes to practice planning without writing the full essay to get fast at planning, 10 minutes to write one body paragraph only to perfect the PEEL structure, and 5 minutes to review a sample essay to study good examples.
For weekly practice, write 2 to 3 full essays. On Monday write a full essay in 40 minutes timed using an Opinion type question. On Wednesday write a full essay in 40 minutes timed using a Discussion type question. On Friday write a full essay in 40 minutes timed using a Problem/Solution type question. On Sunday review all three essays and check them against Band 9 criteria.
Where to get feedback: Use AI writing tools like Grammarly or ChatGPT for basic grammar. Post in IELTS forums such as r/IELTS on Reddit. Pay for professional correction which is worth it for 2 to 3 essays to identify patterns in your mistakes.
For a complete study schedule that balances Writing with all other skills, check our step-by-step IELTS study plan guide.
Your Writing Task 2 Action Plan
Week 1 focuses on Learning Structures. On Day 1, study the 5 question types and practice identifying them in 10 past questions. On Day 2, memorize the Introduction formula and write 5 different introductions. On Day 3, study PEEL body paragraph structure and write 3 body paragraphs without writing full essays. On Day 4, memorize the Conclusion formula and write 5 different conclusions. On Day 5, practice 5-minute planning for 5 different questions without writing the essays. On Days 6 and 7, write 2 full essays using Opinion and Discussion types.
Week 2 is for Practice and Refinement. On Day 8, write 1 full essay using the Advantages/Disadvantages type. On Day 9, review yesterday's essay and identify weaknesses. On Day 10, write 1 full essay using the Problem/Solution type. On Day 11, study Band 9 sample essays and compare their structure to your essays. On Day 12, write 1 full essay using the Two-Part Question type. On Day 13, review all Week 2 essays and check: Did you answer the question? Do you have a clear position? Are there good examples? On Day 14, write 1 timed essay of any type under full exam conditions.
Your Next Step
You now have the complete system for IELTS Writing Task 2 including all 5 question types and how to structure each one, the 5-minute planning system, introduction body and conclusion formulas, Band 9 sample essays for every type, and common mistakes with how to avoid them.
Start with these three actions: First, identify the question type on every practice question before writing. Second, spend 5 minutes planning before writing anything. Third, write 2 body paragraphs using PEEL structure.
Need a complete study plan that includes Writing practice? Visit our site to build your personalized IELTS study plan at https://www.plannertools.online/ where you can get daily and weekly schedules based on your target score and timeline.
Want to improve other skills? Check out IELTS Listening: 12 Strategies to Score Band 7+, IELTS Reading: Improve Speed & Accuracy, 17 Proven IELTS Study Tips, and our Complete Beginner's Guide to IELTS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write more than 250 words in Writing Task 2? Yes, but aim for 270 to 290 words. Writing significantly more such as 350 plus words wastes time you could use on Task 1 or checking your work, and increases the chance of making errors. Quality matters more than quantity once you've passed 250 words.
Should I write Task 1 or Task 2 first? Task 2 is worth twice as much, so many candidates do it first to ensure they have enough time which is 40 minutes. This is a smart strategy. Spend 20 minutes on Task 1, then 40 on Task 2.
How do I make my vocabulary sound more advanced? Use topic-specific vocabulary instead of general words. Instead of good, use beneficial, advantageous, or valuable. Instead of bad, use detrimental, problematic, or adverse. Read Band 9 essays and note the precise vocabulary they use.
What if I don't have examples for my body paragraphs? You can use hypothetical examples such as "For instance, if a government were to..." or general examples like "Many countries, such as Japan and Germany, have..." You don't need specific statistics or dates because the examiner is testing your English, not your knowledge of facts.
Can I use informal language or contractions? No. IELTS Writing Task 2 is formal academic writing. Avoid contractions and write "do not" instead of "don't." Avoid informal phrases such as "a lot of" and use "a significant number of" instead. Don't use personal anecdotes. Maintain a formal, objective tone throughout.
This guide is updated regularly to reflect the latest IELTS Writing Task 2 format and scoring criteria. Last updated: March 2026.