IELTS Writing Task 2 structure: a simple 4-paragraph plan
Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1, so a clear structure here is one of the quickest ways to improve your Writing band. This plan works for every common question type.
⚡ Key takeaways
- Write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes.
- Use four paragraphs: introduction, two body paragraphs, conclusion.
- Spot the question type first. It decides your structure.
- Answer every part of the question to protect your Task Response score.
40-minute Task 2 practice timer
Grab a past question, press start, and let the timer walk you through each stage.
- Plan · 5
- Intro · 5
- Body 1 · 12
- Body 2 · 12
- Conclusion · 3
- Check · 3
The basics
- Write at least 250 words. Shorter answers lose marks.
- Spend about 40 minutes on Task 2 and 20 minutes on Task 1. Task 2 counts for more of your Writing score.
- You are marked on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource (vocabulary) and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
The 4-paragraph plan
- Introduction (2 sentences): paraphrase the question in your own words, then give your position or say what the essay will do.
- Body paragraph 1: one main idea. Topic sentence, explanation, then a specific example.
- Body paragraph 2: a second main idea (or the other side, if the question asks for both views), with the same pattern.
- Conclusion (1–2 sentences): restate your position clearly. Don't add new ideas.
The five common question types
- Opinion ("To what extent do you agree or disagree?"): state your view in the introduction and keep it consistent.
- Discussion ("Discuss both views and give your opinion"): one body paragraph per view, and your own opinion in the introduction and conclusion.
- Advantages and disadvantages: one paragraph each. If asked whether advantages outweigh disadvantages, give a clear answer.
- Problem and solution: one paragraph on causes or problems, one on solutions that match them.
- Two-part question: answer each question directly, one body paragraph per question.
Tips to move up a band
- Answer every part of the question. Missing one part limits your Task Response score.
- Plan for 5 minutes before writing: decide your position and your two main ideas.
- Use linking words naturally (however, as a result, for instance), but don't start every sentence with one.
- Paraphrase rather than copying words from the question.
- Mix simple and complex sentences and check articles, plurals and verb tenses in the last few minutes.
- Use specific examples instead of vague statements.
Practise with feedback
Writing lots of essays helps only if you know what to fix. Ask someone to mark your essays against the four criteria, then rewrite one paragraph using the feedback before you start the next essay.
Quick quiz
Q1. “Some people think university should be free. Discuss both views and give your opinion.” What type is this?
“Discuss both views” means one body paragraph per view, plus your own opinion.
Q2. “Many cities have traffic congestion. What are the causes, and what can be done?” What type is this?
Causes (problems) in one paragraph, matching solutions in the other.
Q3. “To what extent do you agree or disagree?” Where should your position first appear?
State your position clearly in the introduction and keep it consistent to the end.
Frequently asked questions
Should I write four or five paragraphs?
Either can score well. Four paragraphs (introduction, two body paragraphs, conclusion) is easier to finish well in 40 minutes.
Is it bad to write more than 250 words?
No, but very long essays leave less time to check for errors. Around 260–300 words is a common target.
Do I need to give my opinion?
Only if the question asks for it. Opinion and discussion questions do; some others don't.
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