Mastering IELTS Task 2

Writing
Welcome to our comprehensive course designed to boost your
IELTS Task 2 writing skills. Over the next sessions, we'll explore
proven strategies, practice techniques, and develop the critical
thinking needed for high scores.
Understanding the Task
1 Task Format 2 Time Management 3 Assessment Criteria
You'll write at least 250 words Allocate 40 minutes for Task 2, You'll be evaluated on task
responding to an opinion, as it's worth more marks than response, coherence,
problem, or two-part question. Task 1. vocabulary, and grammar.
Analysing Question Types
Opinion Essays Discussion Essays Problem-Solution Essays

Present your view on a topic, Examine both sides of an issue Identify problems and suggest
supporting it with reasons and before giving your opinion. solutions with supporting evidence.
examples.
Planning Your Response
Analyse the Question
Underline key words and identify the exact task requirements.

Brainstorm Ideas
Generate relevant points and examples for your response.

Organise Structure
Plan your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Draft Topic Sentences

Create clear statements that introduce each
paragraph's main idea.
Crafting a Strong
Introduction
Paraphrase the Question
Restate the topic using different words to show
understanding.

Provide Context
Briefly explain why the topic is important or relevant.

State Your Position

Clearly indicate your stance on the issue if required.
Developing Body Paragraphs
Topic Sentence
Begin with a clear statement introducing the main idea of the paragraph.

Supporting Points
Provide specific reasons, facts, or examples that support your topic sentence.

Explanation
Elaborate on your examples to show their relevance to your argument.

Concluding Sentence
Summarise the paragraph's point and link to the overall argument.
Writing Effective Conclusions
Restate Main Points
1 Summarise your key arguments without introducing new ideas.

Reaffirm Position
2 Clearly state your final position on the issue.

Provide Perspective
3 End with a broader statement about the topic's significance.
Balancing Arguments

Acknowledge Opposing
Present Your View Views
1
State your position clearly. 2 Show awareness of counter-
arguments.

Reinforce Your Position

4 Respond to Opposition
Strengthen your argument with 3 Explain why your position is stronger.
additional support.

As shown in the sample answer on page 70, presenting a balanced view is crucial for high scores. Use discourse
markers like "despite these drawbacks" to signal movement between arguments.
Using Discourse Markers

For Addition For Contrast For Results For Examples

Furthermore, in addition, However, nevertheless, Therefore, consequently, For instance, for example,
moreover, also, what is despite this, on the other as a result, thus, hence such as, namely, to
more hand illustrate
Mastering Referencing
Pronouns 1
Use it, they, this, these, those to avoid repetition. Check page
117 for detailed guidance.
2 Demonstratives
This/these refer to things just mentioned; that/those for more
distant references.
Substitution 3
Replace nouns with one/ones or do/does to avoid repetition.

4 Ellipsis
Omit words that are understood from context to create smoother text
Building Strong Collocations
Adjective + Noun Verb + Noun Noun + Preposition

integral part take exercise benefits of/to

detrimental effect provide access drawbacks of/to

invaluable resource enhance appeal advantages over

significant advantage outweigh disadvantages access to

Using appropriate collocations makes your writing sound more natural and persuasive. Practice these combinations from page 70-71.
Analysing Sample Answers

Structure Analysis Language Features Argument Development

Examine how the writer organizes Identify discourse markers, Note how the writer builds and
ideas and creates paragraph links. referencing, and collocations used balances arguments throughout the
effectively. essay.
Refer to the sample answer on page 70 about information technology to see these elements in practice.
Addressing Advantages & Disadvantages
Clear Position
1 State whether benefits outweigh drawbacks or vice versa.

Balanced Coverage
2 Discuss both sides even if one is stronger.

Specific Examples
3 Support each point with relevant, concrete examples.

Appropriate Language
4 Use suitable prepositions with advantage/benefit/drawback.

Practice using phrases like "advantages of," "benefits to," and "drawbacks to" correctly as shown on page 69.
Common Mistakes to Avoid

1 Referencing Errors 2 Preposition Mistakes 3 Unbalanced Arguments

Incorrect use of Using wrong prepositions with Failing to acknowledge
this/these/it/they. Review page advantage/benefit/drawback. opposing views or counter-
71 exercises for practice. See page 69. arguments.
Practice Activity: Question Analysis
Read the Question
Information technology enables many people to work outside their workplace.

Identify Key Words

Information technology, work outside workplace, benefits, disadvantages

Determine Question Type

Advantages/disadvantages essay requiring a balanced view with clear position

Plan Response
Outline introduction, 2-3 paragraphs on benefits, 1-2 on drawbacks, conclusion

This activity follows the task on page 71 about mobile working. Practice underlining key
words and planning your response.
Speaking Activity: Idea Generation
Drawbacks Examples
Isolation, blurred boundaries, Remote workers, digital
technology issues, nomads, hybrid
Benefits communication challenges arrangements, pandemic
shifts Perspectives
Flexibility, work-life balance,
reduced commuting, global Employers, employees,
opportunities families, society, environment

2 3

1 4

In pairs, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mobile working. Use appropriate language from page 69 to express your ideas.
Timed Writing Practice

40 250
Minutes Words
Standard time allocation for Task 2 Minimum word count required

5 5
Minutes Minutes
For planning before writing For reviewing after writing

Complete a timed practice essay on the mobile working topic from page 71. Follow the proper time management strategy to maximize your score.
Peer Review Workshop

Exchange Essays Use Assessment Criteria Provide Specific Feedback

Swap your practice essay with a Evaluate task response, coherence, Highlight strengths and suggest
partner for constructive feedback. vocabulary, and grammar. improvements with examples.

Using the sample answer on page 70 as a model, review your partner's essay and provide constructive feedback.
Self-Assessment Checklist

Rate your confidence in each skill area from 1-10. Identify areas for improvement and set specific goals for your next practice essay.
Next Steps and Resources
1 Regular Practice
Complete at least two practice essays weekly, applying feedback each time.

2 Vocabulary Building
Study collocations on pages 67-71 and create your own vocabulary
notebook.

3 Grammar Review
Focus on referencing exercises on page 71 and review page 117.

4 Model Essays
Analyse the sample answer on page 70 and other high-scoring examples.

Continue developing your skills through consistent practice and targeted

improvement in your weaker areas.