The Ultimate Guide to IELTS Writing Task 2, by Fastrack IELTS on YouTube. 20 min.
- Video length
- 20 min
- Time to do it
- 40 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Read the question carefully and decide what the topic is. Then name the essay type: opinion, discussion, problem and solution, or a two-part question.
Spend about five minutes planning. Choose your position and two main ideas, because each idea becomes one body paragraph.
Write the introduction. Paraphrase the question in your own words, state your position clearly, and outline the two ideas you will develop.
Start body paragraph one with a topic sentence that names your first idea. Then explain that idea in two or three sentences.
Add a short, specific example that supports the idea, and finish the paragraph with a linking sentence back to the question.
Write body paragraph two the same way: topic sentence, explanation, example, link. Keep to one idea per paragraph.
Write the conclusion. Restate your position in new wording and summarise your two main ideas. Do not add new points.
Check your work. Aim for at least 250 words, look for repeated words, and fix grammar and spelling slips.
Tips and common mistakes
Plan before you write, since a clear plan stops you repeating yourself mid-essay.
Answer every part of the question, as a partly answered prompt loses marks on task response.
Avoid memorised phrases and long templates, because examiners notice them and they rarely fit the topic.
Leave two or three minutes at the end to check word count and small grammar errors.
Questions
How many words should I write?
Write at least 250 words. Going well over 300 usually wastes time you need for checking, so aim for around 260 to 290 words.
Do I need examples in every body paragraph?
Yes, a short specific example makes your idea concrete. It can come from your own experience, your country, or general knowledge, and one sentence is enough.
Should I give my opinion in every essay?
Only when the question asks for it. If it asks you to discuss both views, present both sides and save your own view for the point where the prompt requests it.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
